Overview

• Macron's visit to Vietnam marks the first leg of his Southeast Asia tour, with agreements signed on defense, nuclear energy, and aerospace cooperation.
• A major Airbus deal was finalized, with Vietnam's VietJet purchasing 20 A330neo wide-body jets, reinforcing Airbus's dominance in the country's aviation market.
• Macron met with Vietnamese leaders, including President Luong Cuong and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, to discuss strategic partnerships.
• The French president reaffirmed France's commitment to defending international maritime law, particularly in the contested South China Sea
• The Elysee downplayed a viral video of Brigitte Macron appearing to push her husband's face, calling it a moment of 'playful teasing' before the trip began.