A Chinese state-controlled newspaper sees reports of a high-profile gay wedding in Vietnam as a sign of hope for gay men and lesbians in China.

A commentary in the Communist party-controlled Global Times noted approvingly that the wedding — just the second of its kind in Vietnam — was approved by both men's families and received wide public support.

Vietnamese media carried numerous photos of last week's lavish ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City, showing beaming newlyweds Pin and Phi toasting one another while wearing matching suits. The men, whose full names were not published, were identified as co-owners of two fashion stores.

The marriage is not legally recognized in Vietnam. The only previous gay marriage ceremony in the country was held four years ago and that couple has since moved to Canada.

But Global Times described last week's event as evidence that even in a traditional Confucian society, public images of a happy gay couple can break down prejudices among a skeptical public.