The BBC has voiced serious concerns regarding the welfare of one of its journalists who has been unable to leave Vietnam for several months. The journalist, a Vietnamese national, traveled to the country to visit family and renew their passport. However, both the passport and ID card have been withheld, and the individual has undergone ‘multiple days of questioning,’ according to a BBC statement. The broadcaster is urgently calling on Vietnamese authorities to release the journalist’s documents and allow them to return to their work. This situation unfolds as To Lam, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, arrived in the UK on Tuesday for a visit that includes a scheduled meeting with Sir Keir Starmer. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office emphasized the country’s commitment to defending media freedom, stating, ‘Our position and track record defending media freedom is clear.’ They also expressed ongoing concerns about the reported harassment of NGOs, journalists, and rights activists in Vietnam, noting that these issues are regularly raised with Vietnamese officials. Vietnam, a one-party Communist state, has experienced rapid economic growth in Southeast Asia. However, this growth is accompanied by stringent political censorship and a troubling human rights record. The Communist Party maintains tight control over the media, with journalists and media outlets facing sanctions or arrest for addressing sensitive topics or criticizing the government. Online content perceived as a threat to Communist rule is frequently blocked.