Resolution No.18-NQ/TW of the 12th Party Central Committee is considered a revolutionary step in streamlining the organizational structure of the political system. From Central to local levels, authorities have meticulously planned and scientifically implemented this resolution. The process has also received widespread public support. However, hostile forces have attempted to sabotage these efforts by distorting the facts and spreading falsehoods on social media. Some articles deliberately misrepresent the essence of the restructuring and streamlining process.

In reality, after seven years of implementing Resolution No.18, significant positive outcomes have been achieved. From central to local levels, there have been noticeable improvements in both awareness and action. The restructuring of the political system has led to a more streamlined, effective, and efficient organizational structure. Consequently, public trust in the leadership of the Party, State, and local authorities has been markedly strengthened.

Alongside Resolution No.18, hostile forces continue to distort information regarding the merger of certain provinces. They spread misleading claims that government agencies lack transparency and fail to consult the public. However, concrete evidence refutes these allegations. The directives outlined in Conclusion No.126-KL/TW (dated February 14, 2025) and Conclusion No.127-KL/TW (dated February 28, 2025) from the Politburo and the Secretariat clearly define the research requirements for further administrative streamlining, including the elimination of intermediate administrative levels (district level) and the strategic merger of some provincial-level administrative units. These conclusions also establish clear guidelines, timelines, and legal frameworks for implementation. This demonstrates that all Party directives and State policies are carefully developed and transparently executed, adhering strictly to legal regulations and being communicated through official channels to ensure public awareness and understanding.

These are just two of many topics that hostile and reactionary forces have distorted and manipulated ahead of Party congresses. In 2024, Điện Biên province’s authorities identified and investigated three social media accounts that disseminated harmful, toxic, and negative content, as well as 11 accounts that spread fake and misleading news. All these cases were handled in accordance with the law.

Vietnam is entering a new era - an era of national progress and development. While there are many opportunities, challenges also abound. Exploiting advances in information technology, hostile and reactionary forces frequently use platforms like Zalo, Facebook, Instagram, Viber, YouTube, and TikTok to publish articles and videos that deny and distort Marxism-Leninism, Hồ Chí Minh Thought, and disseminate false narratives aimed at eroding the ideological foundation of the Party and undermining the State. They manipulate issues related to ethnicity, religion, democracy, and human rights, incite separatist and extreme nationalist sentiments, distort history, spread illegal religious doctrines, and create security concerns. Therefore, countering false and hostile views and protecting the Party’s ideological foundation in preparation for the upcoming National Party Congress is a critical and urgent task. It is the responsibility of Party committees, organizations, the political system, and every Party member and official.

First and foremost, Party committees, organizations, and government agencies must continuously monitor and guide public discourse, proactively providing accurate information to take the lead in identifying and combating hostile forces’ “peaceful evolution” strategies, particularly online disinformation campaigns. There must be no gaps in information that could be exploited for distortion and sabotage.

For the public, especially Party members and officials, it is essential to uphold a strong sense of responsibility by studying and thoroughly understanding Party resolutions, directives, and State policies and laws to enhance political awareness. When encountering information on social media, individuals must remain vigilant and discerning to distinguish between credible and false information. This enables them to take a firm and clear stance, avoiding manipulation by hostile forces that could lead to ideological confusion and self-doubt.

As the entire Party, people, and military eagerly anticipate the upcoming National Party Congress with great trust and expectations, every Party member, official, and citizen should actively participate in patriotic movements and promote positive and inspiring stories from everyday life. This is also an effective means of ideological struggle, contributing to the protection of the Party’s ideological foundation.