Nguyen Phu Trong, the long-serving general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, died on Friday at the age of 80, after a period of illness. His death marks the end of an era, as he oversaw Vietnam's economic transformation, a rigorous anti-corruption campaign known as the 'blazing furnace,' and balanced foreign relations between China and the U.S. President To Lam has taken over his duties, reflecting the party's need for continuity during this transitional period. Trong was awarded the Gold Star Order, Vietnam's highest honor, just a day before his passing. His leadership significantly consolidated power within the Communist Party, diminishing the collective leadership model. The Vietnamese nation is in mourning, with state websites turning black and white, and citizens expressing their condolences online.