在短短一个月，越南接连发生两场高层地震。政坛第四号人物，国会主席王廷惠因为 “违反党员行为禁令”，在4月26日引咎辞职。此前的一个月，越南第二号人物，国家主席武文赏也因为违反了“党员严禁” 规定而辞职。第二和第四号人物纷纷倒台也代表越南政坛四大支柱接连倒了两根。

武文赏和王廷惠落马并非无迹可寻。在他们辞职的前几天，他们的前下属都因为腐败问题被警方逮捕。2023年1月，武文赏的前任、原越南国家主席阮春福也因为下属违规而辞职。

越南政治的四大支柱成了不断变化的走马灯，震撼各界。政治观察员指河内正陷入严重政治动荡。这是反腐败的成效，还是权力斗争？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和新加坡尤索夫伊萨东南亚研究院访问研究员阮清江解析越南的政治动荡。

延伸阅读：

• 两年两国家主席辞职 越南政局动荡 反贪运动任重道远
• 吴俊刚：张美兰的故事

The recent resignations and arrests of high-ranking officials in Vietnam indicate a significant upheaval in the country’s political landscape, sending shockwaves across various sectors.

The chairman of Vietnam’s Parliament Vuong Dinh Hue resigned over his “violations and shortcomings” on April 26, just weeks after the high-profile resignation of the country’'s second-in-command, President Vo Van Thuong. In the days leading up to the resignations, their subordinates were also arrested by authorities on corruption charges.

Political analysts have warned that Hanoi is embroiled in serious political turmoil. On one hand, these developments could be interpreted as a sign of anti-corruption efforts gaining traction. However, they could also be symptomatic of power struggles within the ruling party.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong and Visiting Senior Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute Nguyen Thanh Giang discuss Vietnam’s deepening leadership crisis.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国国家主席、中共中央军委主席习近平4月19日向解放军新成立的信息支援部队授予军旗。这标志着信息支援部队，这个直属于中共中央军委的新兵种正式成立，原本的战略支援部队则撤销。习近平说，信息支援部队在推动解放军打赢现代战中地位重要，责任重大。

什么是信息支援部队？它将担负什么功能？中国解放军为何要推进这项军事体制改革？这与军队反腐败有没有关系？

中国解放军的装备近年有了长足的发展，在4月23日举办的海军建军七十五周年庆典又会有什么看点？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远分析中国军队的新改革。

延伸阅读：

• 于泽远：中国军队的新改革
• 菲律宾缺席中国海军论坛 张又侠：愿同当事国解决争端但不允许善意被滥用

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently presided over a significant military ceremony, where he awarded the military flag to the newly established Information Support Force of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). This move marks the formal inception of a new branch within the PLA, indicative of a reconfiguration in China's military structure.

The Information Support Force, operating directly under the purview of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, replaces the former Strategic Support Force. President Xi underscored the pivotal role of this new force in modern warfare during the ceremony, highlighting its responsibility and importance in ensuring the PLA's success.

The creation of the Information Support Force reflects China's ongoing efforts in military reforms and modernisation. Furthermore, the notable strides in the development and enhancement of equipment within the PLA in recent years embody China's progress in military technology and capabilities.

The PLA Navy is celebrating its 75th anniversary this month, providing a platform to showcase its achievements and advancements. The occasion is poised to spotlight China's growing naval capabilities and its significance in the country's defence strategy.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan analyse the latest reforms in the Chinese military.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

韩国4月10日举行国会选举。总统尹锡悦所属的国民力量党惨败，在野力量大胜。在选举中，属于进步派的反对党共同民主党，在300个议席中拿下了175个席位，再加上其他反对党的斩获，在野阵营一共掌握了192席。相比之下执政的保守阵营只获得108个席位。

这次选举也创下了67%的投票率，是32年来的最高纪录。选举前朝野都全力动员，将这次选举塑造为对对手的审判，这也加剧了社会的严重对立。

如今面对民意的反扑，尹锡悦下来三年会继续面对跛脚的局面。这对他的施政会产生什么影响？本身也官司缠身的反对党党首李在明会弹劾尹锡悦吗？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红和《联合早报》首尔通讯员姜贵瑛解析尹锡悦在国会选举中惨败的原因。

延伸阅读：

• 姜贵瑛：尹锡悦“期中考”面临严峻考验
• 王庆民：韩国国会选举翻转尹锡悦优势

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol suffered a major defeat in the parliamentary elections on April 10. The progressive opposition Democratic Party clinched a landslide victory, securing 175 out of 300 seats, while the opposition coalition seized 192 seats. In stark contrast, Mr Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) only managed to secure 108 seats.

Notably, voter turnout surged to 67%, marking the highest participation rate in 32 years. The intense campaign leading up to the elections saw both ruling and opposition factions fiercely framing the contest as a trial of their adversaries, exacerbating social tensions.

The election result has left Mr Yoon facing the prospect of becoming a lame-duck president for the remaining three years in office. How will the electoral setback affect his ability to push through policies? On the other hand, will the scandal-plagued opposition leader Lee Jae-myung pursue impeachment proceedings against Mr Yoon?

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, Lianhe Zaobao’s Seoul Correspondent Kang Gwi Young explains the reasons behind the heavy defeat of South Korea's ruling party in the recent election.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.