Activities within the framework of the Vietnam-China border defense friendship exchange serve as a bridge to dispel prejudices, build trust, and create a peaceful , friendly, and prosperous border.
The 9th Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchange has just concluded, leaving a profound mark and contributing to strengthening political trust, deepening defense cooperation between the two countries, and building a peaceful and prosperous border region.
Sow the seeds of friendship.
The event took place over two days, April 16th and 17th, in Lang Son province, Vietnam, and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang meets with Chinese Minister of National Defence Dong Jun.
On the morning of April 16th, at the Huu Nghi Quan border gate, General Dong Jun - Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Minister of National Defense of China - presided over the welcoming ceremony for the Vietnamese delegation led by General Phan Van Giang - Member of the Politburo, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, Minister of National Defense of Vietnam.
Amidst the joyful cheers of the people on both sides of the border, the two Ministers of Defense exchanged firm handshakes, demonstrating the spirit of solidarity and mutual support between the two Parties, the two States, and the people of the two countries.
Following this, a series of meaningful activities took place in China (April 16th) and Vietnam (April 17th), including: a ceremony to commemorate border marker 1116; planting a friendship tree along the Vietnam-China border; visiting Primary School No. 4 (Pingxiang City, China); visiting the model village of Chu Lien, Ningming County; visiting Dong Dang Primary School and inaugurating a multi-purpose building in Lang Son province; and visiting the Viettel Logistics Park in Lang Son... These images not only depict the close neighborly relationship but also demonstrate the commitment of both countries to building a peaceful and friendly border.
At Dong Dang Primary School, the students repeatedly chanted "Vietnam-China friendship," "Vietnam-China solidarity," and then pinned red scarves on the two ministers.
The students' joy and excitement made the meeting atmosphere incredibly touching. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, a student from Dong Dang Primary School, shared: "I am very happy and proud to participate in this exchange with my Chinese friends. I promise to study hard to become a good child and a good student." Dam Ngoc Lan, a student from Primary School No. 4 in China, expressed: "The Vietnamese students are very enthusiastic; I hope to have more opportunities for exchanges like this."
The cultural activities and experiences of pottery making and painting on conical hats at the Lang Son Museum helped students from both countries overcome language barriers and ignite the flame of solidarity. And the gifts from the two ministers to the schools are a message that today's young generation will be the ambassadors continuing the neighborly relationship between the two countries.
Strengthening cooperation
At the meeting between the two ministers on April 17, General Phan Van Giang affirmed that defense cooperation is an important pillar in Vietnam-China relations, effectively implemented in areas such as high-level delegation exchanges, border management, and naval and coast guard cooperation. Vietnam always remembers China's sincere assistance in the struggle for independence and national construction.
General Phan Van Giang announced the completion of renovations to Chinese martyrs' cemeteries in Vietnam by April 2025; and invited General Dong Jun and the Chinese military contingent to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025) to express gratitude for the valuable assistance of China and other peace-loving nations in supporting Vietnam's struggle for national reunification.
General Dong Jun expressed his gratitude for Vietnam's thoughtfulness, affirming: "This 9th exchange, held immediately after the visit of General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, demonstrates our determination to cultivate friendship and deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership."
The two sides signed a framework agreement establishing a fraternal relationship between the Huu Nghi International Border Gate Border Guard Station (Lang Son) and the Bang Tuong Meeting and Negotiation Station (Guangxi), affirming continued close cooperation in border management. Lieutenant Colonel Doan Duy Tien, Commander of the Huu Nghi Border Guard Station, said: "The two units have regularly maintained a quarterly meeting mechanism, organized bilateral border patrols, and effectively exchanged information and intelligence through letters, hotline calls, and direct exchanges at the border; coordinating efforts to combat crime, illegal immigration, smuggling, and maintaining security and order in the border area of the two countries."
As part of the exchange program, the two ministers visited the Viettel Logistics Park in Lang Son, witnessing firsthand modern technologies such as smart customs gates and automated transshipment systems, which optimize customs clearance time by 40%. This is a result of the Framework Agreement on building smart border gates between Lang Son and Guangxi (June 2023), promoting economic and trade cooperation and supporting the building of a Vietnam-China Shared Future Community.
The people of Lang Son City warmly welcomed high-ranking leaders from the Ministries of National Defense of Vietnam and China.
Aspiration for peace, friendship, and development.
Amidst the increasingly developing Vietnam-China relationship, some extremist and anti-China sentiments still persist. These views often stem from a lack of understanding or fleeting emotions and can harm Vietnam's national interests and image internationally. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize that Vietnam's cooperation with China for a peaceful and friendly border does not mean abandoning its sovereignty or becoming dependent on its neighbor.
National sovereignty is a core and inviolable value of Vietnam. From its wars of resistance against foreign invaders to its current foreign policy, Vietnam has always been steadfast in protecting its territory, sovereignty, and national interests. Participating in border exchanges or signing cooperation agreements with China does not contradict this spirit. On the contrary, it is a manifestation of a flexible and skillful foreign policy that simultaneously maintains independence and opens up to integration for development.
Border cooperation brings practical benefits to both sides. Cooperative projects such as the Vietnam-China railway or the Logistics Park not only promote trade but also create jobs and improve people's lives. However, Vietnam always upholds the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and will not allow any party to infringe upon its sovereignty or national interests.
Activities within the framework of this year's border defense friendship exchange, such as the "Red Scarf Friendship for Border Children" and the inauguration of a project at Dong Dang Primary School, serve as a bridge to dispel prejudices and build trust. Trieu Quoc Viet, a student from Primary School No. 4 (Pingxiang City), drew the national flags of both countries with the wish: "I hope the friendship between Vietnam and China will last forever."
Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang meets with Chinese Minister of National Defence Dong Jun - visits Elementary School No. 4 in Pingxiang City (China).
The 9th Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchange is a symbol of the aspiration for peace, friendship, and development. From the handshake at border marker 1116, the smiles of the students, to modern logistics cooperation, all affirm that Vietnam and China can build a better future based on mutual respect. Border cooperation is how Vietnam demonstrates its resilience and openness to integration without sacrificing core interests.
The flame of peace from this border exchange event will continue to illuminate the journey of the two nations, for a peaceful, friendly, and prosperous border.
The younger generation plays a pivotal role.
The 9th Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchange took place in the context of the "Vietnam-China Year of Humanitarian Exchange" and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and China. The prior state visit of General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping provided new impetus for people-to-people exchanges, defense cooperation, and the comprehensive strategic partnership. In Hanoi, events such as the people-to-people friendship meeting and the launch of the "Red Journey: Youth Research and Learning" program affirmed the importance of strengthening the social foundation, in which the younger generation plays a core role.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/kien-tao-long-tin-196250419204523827.htm
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