IMO Secretary-General, Koji Sekimizu, shook hand with UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon (right) at the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of UNCLOS.

Senior maritime officials, United Nations officials, legislators from the Federal Parliament and the state assemblies, in a group photo on the sidelines of a conference jointly organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Integrated UNSOM-UNDP Security Sector Reform team in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 25 August 2019. The conference, organised for the Federal Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, focused on the revision of the Maritime Code of 1959 and amended in 1988. The Shipping Code is currently under revision in order to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ratified by Somalia in 1989. The Convention defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. UN Photo / Omar Abdisalan

Event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) (28 November 2022)

Senior maritime officials, legislators from the Federal Parliament and the state assemblies attend a conference jointly organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Integrated UNSOM-UNDP Security Sector Reform team in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 25 August 2019. The conference, organised for the Federal Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, focused on the revision of the Maritime Code of 1959 and amended in 1988. The Shipping Code is currently under revision in order to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ratified by Somalia in 1989. The Convention defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. UN Photo / Omar Abdisalan

14 February 2018 MANILA – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano today praised the conclusion of the 2nd meeting of the bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea between Philippine and Chinese delegations as an important step towards resolving ongoing territorial disputes in a manner consistent with the spirit of friendship.

“This meeting has become an important step towards resolving ongoing disputes on territory, sovereignty, and sovereignty rights in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea, however, this bilateral consultation mechanism is also here to strengthen the momentum of cooperation in matters of common interest such as marine environmental protection, coordination between Coast Guards, and the protection of our fishermen, as well the possibility of joint exploration,” Secretary Cayetano said in a statement.

Delegations from the Philippines and China met on 13 February 2018 for the 2nd Meeting of the Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM). Both sides took the opportunity to highlight the exponential improvement in bilateral relations and the many opportunities for growth in various areas of cooperation.

The delegations, led by DFA Undersecretary Enrique A. Manalo and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, also discussed ways to manage and prevent incidents at sea, promote dialogue and cooperation on maritime issues, and enhance mutual trust and confidence.

The Philippine side brought up our territorial claims and sovereignty rights issues, and discussed how to manage and prevent incidents on the ground. Both sides expressed their countries’ respective positions on the ongoing territorial disputes. While there are points of disagreement, both delegations are in agreement that the best way forward is to cooperate and properly manage issues of mutual concern and preserve security and stability in the region.

Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, head of the Chinese delegation, also called on Secretary Cayetano today before flying back to Beijing

Secretary Cayetano said that the BCM serves as a venue for the Philippines and China to manage their differences amicably, and to show the world how disputes can be handled in a peaceful manner, and how cooperation and collaboration can benefit the two countries’ peoples despite a complicated and difficult dispute.

"The Duterte Administration is unwavering in its commitment to protect our country’s territorial claims and maritime entitlements. Let me also say that we are also of the position that ongoing territorial disputes should be resolved in a manner consistent with the spirit of good neighborly relations and the 1982 UNCLOS," said the Secretary.

Pursuant to the strategy of the Duterte administration of “friends to all and enemies to none”, the Secretary said the Philippines engages all countries whether claimant or non-claimant, whether we have a dispute with them or not, and this has led to much mutual trust and confidence and translated into gains in the disputed areas as well as in other areas of cooperation and collaboration.

To mention some positive developments in the South China Sea:

There is access of our fishermen within the areas in dispute.

There are measures in place for all parties to protect the environment and marine ecosystem in the South China Sea.

There is a commitment by China and all parties not to build on uninhabited features in accordance with the Declaration of Conduct on the South China Sea.

"Let me note that our fishermen are back exercising their livelihood in Scarborough Shoal, and overall, the situation in the greater South China Sea has become more stable than in past years," according to Secretary Cayetano.

These warm and friendly relations likewise resulted in tremendous economic benefits for the country, with China lifting the ban on the import of bananas from the Philippines, together with, to date, over $24 Billion worth of assistance, investment, pledges, commercial loans from China, with focus on infrastructure development under the “Build Build Build” program and further increasing economic development in the Philippines.

Secretary Cayetano further stressed that there are ongoing talks and continuous diplomatic actions being undertaken to protect the interests of the Philippines in the South China Sea. "Just because we are not in an open shouting match with China, or arguing in public, doesn’t mean that the issues aren’t being dealt with decisively. On the contrary, we are not only exerting efforts but also getting things done," said the Philippines' top diplomat. END

Maryan Aweys Jamac, the Somali Federal Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, speaks during a conference jointly organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Integrated UNSOM-UNDP Security Sector Reform team in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 25 August 2019. The conference, organised for the Federal Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, focused on the revision of the Maritime Code of 1959 and amended in 1988. The Shipping Code is currently under revision in order to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ratified by Somalia in 1989. The Convention defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources.

UN Photo / Omar Abdisalan

Senior maritime officials, legislators from the Federal Parliament and the state assemblies attend a conference jointly organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Integrated UNSOM-UNDP Security Sector Reform team in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 25 August 2019. The conference, organised for the Federal Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, focused on the revision of the Maritime Code of 1959 and amended in 1988. The Shipping Code is currently under revision in order to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ratified by Somalia in 1989. The Convention defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. UN Photo / Omar Abdisalan

14 February 2018 MANILA – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano today praised the conclusion of the 2nd meeting of the bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea between Philippine and Chinese delegations as an important step towards resolving ongoing territorial disputes in a manner consistent with the spirit of friendship.

“This meeting has become an important step towards resolving ongoing disputes on territory, sovereignty, and sovereignty rights in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea, however, this bilateral consultation mechanism is also here to strengthen the momentum of cooperation in matters of common interest such as marine environmental protection, coordination between Coast Guards, and the protection of our fishermen, as well the possibility of joint exploration,” Secretary Cayetano said in a statement.

Delegations from the Philippines and China met on 13 February 2018 for the 2nd Meeting of the Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM). Both sides took the opportunity to highlight the exponential improvement in bilateral relations and the many opportunities for growth in various areas of cooperation.

The delegations, led by DFA Undersecretary Enrique A. Manalo and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, also discussed ways to manage and prevent incidents at sea, promote dialogue and cooperation on maritime issues, and enhance mutual trust and confidence.

The Philippine side brought up our territorial claims and sovereignty rights issues, and discussed how to manage and prevent incidents on the ground. Both sides expressed their countries’ respective positions on the ongoing territorial disputes. While there are points of disagreement, both delegations are in agreement that the best way forward is to cooperate and properly manage issues of mutual concern and preserve security and stability in the region.

Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, head of the Chinese delegation, also called on Secretary Cayetano today before flying back to Beijing

Secretary Cayetano said that the BCM serves as a venue for the Philippines and China to manage their differences amicably, and to show the world how disputes can be handled in a peaceful manner, and how cooperation and collaboration can benefit the two countries’ peoples despite a complicated and difficult dispute.

"The Duterte Administration is unwavering in its commitment to protect our country’s territorial claims and maritime entitlements. Let me also say that we are also of the position that ongoing territorial disputes should be resolved in a manner consistent with the spirit of good neighborly relations and the 1982 UNCLOS," said the Secretary.

Pursuant to the strategy of the Duterte administration of “friends to all and enemies to none”, the Secretary said the Philippines engages all countries whether claimant or non-claimant, whether we have a dispute with them or not, and this has led to much mutual trust and confidence and translated into gains in the disputed areas as well as in other areas of cooperation and collaboration.

To mention some positive developments in the South China Sea:

There is access of our fishermen within the areas in dispute.

There are measures in place for all parties to protect the environment and marine ecosystem in the South China Sea.

There is a commitment by China and all parties not to build on uninhabited features in accordance with the Declaration of Conduct on the South China Sea.

"Let me note that our fishermen are back exercising their livelihood in Scarborough Shoal, and overall, the situation in the greater South China Sea has become more stable than in past years," according to Secretary Cayetano.

These warm and friendly relations likewise resulted in tremendous economic benefits for the country, with China lifting the ban on the import of bananas from the Philippines, together with, to date, over $24 Billion worth of assistance, investment, pledges, commercial loans from China, with focus on infrastructure development under the “Build Build Build” program and further increasing economic development in the Philippines.

Secretary Cayetano further stressed that there are ongoing talks and continuous diplomatic actions being undertaken to protect the interests of the Philippines in the South China Sea. "Just because we are not in an open shouting match with China, or arguing in public, doesn’t mean that the issues aren’t being dealt with decisively. On the contrary, we are not only exerting efforts but also getting things done," said the Philippines' top diplomat. END

Senior maritime officials, legislators from the Federal Parliament and the state assemblies attend a conference jointly organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Integrated UNSOM-UNDP Security Sector Reform team in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 25 August 2019. The conference, organised for the Federal Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, focused on the revision of the Maritime Code of 1959 and amended in 1988. The Shipping Code is currently under revision in order to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ratified by Somalia in 1989. The Convention defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. UN Photo / Omar Abdisalan

14 February 2018 MANILA – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano today praised the conclusion of the 2nd meeting of the bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea between Philippine and Chinese delegations as an important step towards resolving ongoing territorial disputes in a manner consistent with the spirit of friendship.

“This meeting has become an important step towards resolving ongoing disputes on territory, sovereignty, and sovereignty rights in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea, however, this bilateral consultation mechanism is also here to strengthen the momentum of cooperation in matters of common interest such as marine environmental protection, coordination between Coast Guards, and the protection of our fishermen, as well the possibility of joint exploration,” Secretary Cayetano said in a statement.

Delegations from the Philippines and China met on 13 February 2018 for the 2nd Meeting of the Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM). Both sides took the opportunity to highlight the exponential improvement in bilateral relations and the many opportunities for growth in various areas of cooperation.

The delegations, led by DFA Undersecretary Enrique A. Manalo and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, also discussed ways to manage and prevent incidents at sea, promote dialogue and cooperation on maritime issues, and enhance mutual trust and confidence.

The Philippine side brought up our territorial claims and sovereignty rights issues, and discussed how to manage and prevent incidents on the ground. Both sides expressed their countries’ respective positions on the ongoing territorial disputes. While there are points of disagreement, both delegations are in agreement that the best way forward is to cooperate and properly manage issues of mutual concern and preserve security and stability in the region.

Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, head of the Chinese delegation, also called on Secretary Cayetano today before flying back to Beijing

Secretary Cayetano said that the BCM serves as a venue for the Philippines and China to manage their differences amicably, and to show the world how disputes can be handled in a peaceful manner, and how cooperation and collaboration can benefit the two countries’ peoples despite a complicated and difficult dispute.

"The Duterte Administration is unwavering in its commitment to protect our country’s territorial claims and maritime entitlements. Let me also say that we are also of the position that ongoing territorial disputes should be resolved in a manner consistent with the spirit of good neighborly relations and the 1982 UNCLOS," said the Secretary.

Pursuant to the strategy of the Duterte administration of “friends to all and enemies to none”, the Secretary said the Philippines engages all countries whether claimant or non-claimant, whether we have a dispute with them or not, and this has led to much mutual trust and confidence and translated into gains in the disputed areas as well as in other areas of cooperation and collaboration.

To mention some positive developments in the South China Sea:

There is access of our fishermen within the areas in dispute.

There are measures in place for all parties to protect the environment and marine ecosystem in the South China Sea.

There is a commitment by China and all parties not to build on uninhabited features in accordance with the Declaration of Conduct on the South China Sea.

"Let me note that our fishermen are back exercising their livelihood in Scarborough Shoal, and overall, the situation in the greater South China Sea has become more stable than in past years," according to Secretary Cayetano.

These warm and friendly relations likewise resulted in tremendous economic benefits for the country, with China lifting the ban on the import of bananas from the Philippines, together with, to date, over $24 Billion worth of assistance, investment, pledges, commercial loans from China, with focus on infrastructure development under the “Build Build Build” program and further increasing economic development in the Philippines.

Secretary Cayetano further stressed that there are ongoing talks and continuous diplomatic actions being undertaken to protect the interests of the Philippines in the South China Sea. "Just because we are not in an open shouting match with China, or arguing in public, doesn’t mean that the issues aren’t being dealt with decisively. On the contrary, we are not only exerting efforts but also getting things done," said the Philippines' top diplomat. END

Senior maritime officials, legislators from the Federal Parliament and the state assemblies attend a conference jointly organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Integrated UNSOM-UNDP Security Sector Reform team in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 25 August 2019. The conference, organised for the Federal Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, focused on the revision of the Maritime Code of 1959 and amended in 1988. The Shipping Code is currently under revision in order to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ratified by Somalia in 1989. The Convention defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. UN Photo / Omar Abdisalan

Event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) (28 November 2022)

Seminar on legal issues relating to maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), including matters arising from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)(17 April 2023), held during the second session of the Joint MSC-LEG-FAL MASS Working Group.

Kiruja Micheni (right), a representative from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), speaks during a conference jointly organized by IMO and the Integrated UNSOM-UNDP Security Sector Reform team in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 25 August 2019. The conference, organised for the Federal Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, focused on the revision of the Maritime Code of 1959 and amended in 1988. The Shipping Code is currently under revision in order to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ratified by Somalia in 1989. The Convention defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. UN Photo / Omar Abdisalan

Jeff Sims, the Strategic Security Advisor in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), speaks during a conference jointly organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Integrated UNSOM-UNDP Security Sector Reform team in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 25 August 2019. The conference, organised for the Federal Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, focused on the revision of the Maritime Code of 1959 and amended in 1988. The Shipping Code is currently under revision in order to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ratified by Somalia in 1989. The Convention defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. UN Photo / Omar Abdisalan

Senior maritime officials, legislators from the Federal Parliament and the state assemblies attend a conference jointly organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Integrated UNSOM-UNDP Security Sector Reform team in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 25 August 2019. The conference, organised for the Federal Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, focused on the revision of the Maritime Code of 1959 and amended in 1988. The Shipping Code is currently under revision in order to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ratified by Somalia in 1989. The Convention defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. UN Photo / Omar Abdisalan

Seminar on legal issues relating to maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), including matters arising from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)(17 April 2023), held during the second session of the Joint MSC-LEG-FAL MASS Working Group.

Event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) (28 November 2022)

Event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) (28 November 2022)

PCG: Rear Admiral Luis M Tuason Jr PCG led the closing ceremony of the three (3) day seminar on Maritime Law Enforcement and Law of the Sea held at the National Coast Watch Center, Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard today, March 15.

The said seminar conducted by Defense Institute for International Legal Studies (DIILS) aimed to enhance institutional capacity in the areas of international law on military operations and maritime law enforcement. It tackled the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and focused on regional maritime issues.

The seminar also included discussions on piracy, fisheries protection, comparisons between the law of armed conflict and maritime law enforcement, rules of engagement, and rules for the use of force.

Seminar on legal issues relating to maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), including matters arising from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)(17 April 2023), held during the second session of the Joint MSC-LEG-FAL MASS Working Group.

I ask no monument, proud and high,

To arrest the gaze of the passers-by;

All that my yearning spirit craves,

Is bury me not in a land of slaves.

~ "Bury Me in a Free Land" a poem by Frances Harper

Make heathens at your doors!

Event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) (28 November 2022)

Event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) (28 November 2022)

14 February 2018 MANILA – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano today praised the conclusion of the 2nd meeting of the bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea between Philippine and Chinese delegations as an important step towards resolving ongoing territorial disputes in a manner consistent with the spirit of friendship.

“This meeting has become an important step towards resolving ongoing disputes on territory, sovereignty, and sovereignty rights in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea, however, this bilateral consultation mechanism is also here to strengthen the momentum of cooperation in matters of common interest such as marine environmental protection, coordination between Coast Guards, and the protection of our fishermen, as well the possibility of joint exploration,” Secretary Cayetano said in a statement.

Delegations from the Philippines and China met on 13 February 2018 for the 2nd Meeting of the Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCM). Both sides took the opportunity to highlight the exponential improvement in bilateral relations and the many opportunities for growth in various areas of cooperation.

The delegations, led by DFA Undersecretary Enrique A. Manalo and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, also discussed ways to manage and prevent incidents at sea, promote dialogue and cooperation on maritime issues, and enhance mutual trust and confidence.

The Philippine side brought up our territorial claims and sovereignty rights issues, and discussed how to manage and prevent incidents on the ground. Both sides expressed their countries’ respective positions on the ongoing territorial disputes. While there are points of disagreement, both delegations are in agreement that the best way forward is to cooperate and properly manage issues of mutual concern and preserve security and stability in the region.

Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, head of the Chinese delegation, also called on Secretary Cayetano today before flying back to Beijing

Secretary Cayetano said that the BCM serves as a venue for the Philippines and China to manage their differences amicably, and to show the world how disputes can be handled in a peaceful manner, and how cooperation and collaboration can benefit the two countries’ peoples despite a complicated and difficult dispute.

"The Duterte Administration is unwavering in its commitment to protect our country’s territorial claims and maritime entitlements. Let me also say that we are also of the position that ongoing territorial disputes should be resolved in a manner consistent with the spirit of good neighborly relations and the 1982 UNCLOS," said the Secretary.

Pursuant to the strategy of the Duterte administration of “friends to all and enemies to none”, the Secretary said the Philippines engages all countries whether claimant or non-claimant, whether we have a dispute with them or not, and this has led to much mutual trust and confidence and translated into gains in the disputed areas as well as in other areas of cooperation and collaboration.

To mention some positive developments in the South China Sea:

There is access of our fishermen within the areas in dispute.

There are measures in place for all parties to protect the environment and marine ecosystem in the South China Sea.

There is a commitment by China and all parties not to build on uninhabited features in accordance with the Declaration of Conduct on the South China Sea.

"Let me note that our fishermen are back exercising their livelihood in Scarborough Shoal, and overall, the situation in the greater South China Sea has become more stable than in past years," according to Secretary Cayetano.

These warm and friendly relations likewise resulted in tremendous economic benefits for the country, with China lifting the ban on the import of bananas from the Philippines, together with, to date, over $24 Billion worth of assistance, investment, pledges, commercial loans from China, with focus on infrastructure development under the “Build Build Build” program and further increasing economic development in the Philippines.

Secretary Cayetano further stressed that there are ongoing talks and continuous diplomatic actions being undertaken to protect the interests of the Philippines in the South China Sea. "Just because we are not in an open shouting match with China, or arguing in public, doesn’t mean that the issues aren’t being dealt with decisively. On the contrary, we are not only exerting efforts but also getting things done," said the Philippines' top diplomat. END

"From our perspective, in the International Maritime Organization, UNCLOS underpins the legitimacy for a great deal of what we do", said Mr. Sekimizu during his speech.

Mr. Sekimizu took part in the official photo which marked the 30th Anniversary of UNCLOS; the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Seminar on legal issues relating to maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), including matters arising from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)(17 April 2023), held during the second session of the Joint MSC-LEG-FAL MASS Working Group.

Seminar on legal issues relating to maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), including matters arising from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)(17 April 2023), held during the second session of the Joint MSC-LEG-FAL MASS Working Group.

Being a minority ethnic people market, the town of Bac Ha is famous for its Sunday market which is a trading centre and meeting place for couples, friends, and relatives every Sunday. Every Sunday, Bac Ha hosts the biggest fair near the mountainous highlands and the Chinese border. It is the largest and most colourful market in the area and attracts throngs of villagers from the surrounding hill tribes. Some walk several hours for the weekly opportunity to trade and barter food, animals, clothes and household goods. 80km from Sapa, Bac Ha Market is not only the place for buying and selling, but also a place for cultural and sentiment exchanging. On the market days, right from the early morning, all paths and mountain roads are full of people and horses pouring to the market. People usually sit in groups around a soup pan ("thang co") eating and chatting.

Many different ethnic groups such as Flower H'mong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay and Nung minorities gather to buy and sell local products that cannot be found elsewhere. The market was very crowded local products for sale or barter are carried on horseback. Besides the usual items like pigs, cows, chickens, and ducks, Bac Ha Market sold dogs. As dogs were available as cuts of meat, they were also available live, right next to the live pigs, chickens, and other livestock. There was a brisk trade at the market for everything from hand-embroidered skirts to all manner of 4-legged animals. The “fresh” meat section is not for the faint of heart and might steer more than a few visitors in the direction of strict vegetarianism.

Though tourists were not in short supply, they were not the focus. Most locals paid little attention to them, rather choosing to focus on their business and the short Sunday-sized window of opportunity. The Flower H’mong minority is the most common here, and their colourful dresses makes is a beautiful sight.