Click to expand Image Vietnam's President To Lam leads his delegation in a meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, June 1, 2026. © 2026 Rolex Dela Pena/AP PhotoAs Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets with To Lam, Vietnam’s president and general secretary of the Communist Party, in Canberra this week, he shouldn’t forget that he is dealing with one of the region’s most repressive leaders. Since To Lam ascended to Vietnam’s highest political office as Communist Party general secretary in 2024, the country’s poor human rights record has worsened. The annual human rights dialogue between Australia and Vietnam should not be the only forum for rights concerns, which should inform all engagements between the two countries. In March 2024, Australia and Vietnam agreed to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to expand cooperation across defense, economics, education, energy, and digital innovation.