Vietnam, Hanoi:  Vietnam has commenced a two-day state funeral for Nguyen Phu Trong, the Communist Party chief who passed away last Friday, marking a significant shift in the nation's political landscape. 

The funeral ceremonies, attracting international dignitaries including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, began early Thursday morning in Hanoi. Hundreds of Vietnamese citizens gathered at a funeral hall to pay their respects to Trong.

All entertainment events, including concerts and movies, have been canceled for two days. Vietnamese citizens have expressed their grief online for the 80-year-old leader, who died before completing his rare third term as general secretary of the party. The funeral in Hanoi is being broadcast live nationwide, with mourning ceremonies also held in Ho Chi Minh City and various provinces.

Trong was regarded as the most powerful leader in Vietnam. His legacy includes transforming Vietnam into a global electronics supplier and leading a prolonged anti-corruption campaign that targeted high-ranking officials and business leaders.

Just a day before his death, the party's Politburo appointed President To Lam as the interim leader due to Trong’s declining health.

Security measures have been intensified across the country, with soldiers patrolling sensitive areas, from Ho Chi Minh City to the capital Hanoi.

Trong will be laid to rest Friday afternoon at Hanoi’s Mai Dich Cemetery, the burial site of military heroes, scientists, politburo members, and former party chiefs Le Kha Phieu and Le Duan.