Image: Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh attends live-broadcast TV program

On Monday, July 27, Defense Minister General Phung Quang Thanh made a public appearance at an art program held at the conference hall of the Ministry of Defense and broadcast live on national television channel VTV1. This marked his first public appearance after several weeks of medical treatment in France and his return home on July 25.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Defense Minister General Phung Quang Thanh attends art program, first public appearance after medical treatment
• Earlier, Chief of the Central Military Committee announced recovery, but advised to avoid public exposure
• Appearance considered positive sign of recovery and symbol of Vietnamese leaders’ strength

High-Ranking Officials Attend Art Program in Honor of Vietnamese War Invalids and Martyrs

The art program was held on the occasion of the Day of Vietnamese War Invalids and Martyrs and was attended by several high-ranking officials, including President Truong Tan Sang, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Nguyen Thien Nhan, National Assembly Vice Chair Tong Thi Phong and Minister Thanh himself.

Earlier, Chief of the Central Military Committee Lieutenant General Vu Van Hien announced that Minister Thanh had recovered from his medical treatment but would not appear in public at the request of his doctors to avoid exposure to bacteria. The minister was advised to rest and work in a safe environment for at least 15 days.

Upon his return home on July 25, Minister Thanh received well wishes from leaders of the Party, State, and government who visited or called him to offer their compliments.

DPA’s False Report of Minister Thanh’s Death Rejected and Corrected

On July 20, a German news agency, DPA, reported that Minister Thanh had passed away at a hospital in France. The information was immediately denied by Lieutenant General Vo Van Tuan, the Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army. The Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs also requested a correction from DPA. The agency later posted a new article on July 21, quoting Lieutenant General Tuan as saying that Minister Thanh’s health was stable after his surgery at Georges Pompidou Hospital in France.

Overall, Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh’s appearance in the live-broadcast art program is a positive sign of his recovery and well-being. The event was a significant moment for the people of Vietnam as it showcased the resilience and strength of their leaders.