AP, Hanoi
Vietnam’s police chief was elected Saturday by the National Assembly to become president — the second-highest post — and promised to “resolutely” protect the country’s sovereignty amid an ongoing territorial dispute with longtime rival China. Public Security Minister and police general Tran Dai Quang, 59, received 436 votes from 465 assembly members who cast their votes, the Communist government said on its website. In Vietnam, the president is the head of state and chief commander of the military, while the prime minister — to be chosen next week — oversees the economy. Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong holds the top job. Both men are members of the powerful 19-member committee that effectively rules the country.