DPA
HANOI
VIETNAM'S president has called for a fresh crackdown on the country's already restricted media, with a focus on threats from"hostile forces"online.
"[Political dissidents] have used the internet, especially social networking sites, with sophisticated methods and tricks to create internal dissension, infringe the nation's interests and undermine national security,"President Tran Dai Quang said.
During a speech on Sunday to mark the 72nd Vietnamese Police Day, Quang said the state should"enhance management over press and publication activities."
"Damaging activities"by"hostile forces"were increasing, Quang said, according to the government's online newspaper, with websites and blogs used to"blacken"the reputation of party and state leaders.