Building trust

The 9th Vietnam-China border defense friendship exchange has just concluded, leaving a deep impression, contributing to strengthening political trust.

Activities within the framework of the Vietnam-China border defense friendship exchange are a bridge to eliminate prejudice, create trust, and build a peaceful , friendly and prosperous border.

The 9th Vietnam-China border defense friendship exchange has just concluded, leaving a deep impression, contributing to strengthening political trust, deepening defense cooperation between the two countries, and building a peaceful and developed border area.

Sowing seeds of friendship

The event took place on April 16 and 17 in Lang Son province - Vietnam and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region - China.

Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang met with Chinese Minister of National Defense Dong Jun

On the morning of April 16, at Huu Nghi Quan border gate, Senior Lieutenant General Dong Quan - 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 Senior General Phan Van Giang - Member of the Politburo, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, Minister of National Defense of Vietnam.

Amidst the cheers of people on both sides of the border, the two Defense Ministers exchanged firm handshakes, demonstrating the spirit of solidarity and mutual support between the two Parties, States and peoples.

Following that, a series of meaningful activities took place in China (April 16) and in Vietnam (April 17) such as: Ceremony to greet milestone 1116; planting friendship trees at the Vietnam - China border; visiting Primary School No. 4 (Pingxiang City - China); visiting Chu Lien model village, Ninh Minh district; visiting Dong Dang Primary School and inaugurating a multi-purpose building in Lang Son province; visiting Viettel Logistics Park Lang Son... These images not only depict the close neighborly relationship but also demonstrate the commitment of both countries in building a peaceful and friendly border.

At Dong Dang Primary School, students continuously chanted "Vietnam - China friendship", "Vietnam - China solidarity" and then put red scarves on the two ministers.

The joy and happiness of the students made the atmosphere of the meeting extremely emotional. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, a student at Dong Dang Primary School, shared: "I am very happy and proud to participate in the exchange with Chinese friends. I promise to study well to become a good child and a good student." Meanwhile, Dam Ngoc Lan, a student at Primary School No. 4 of the neighboring country, expressed: "Vietnamese friends are very enthusiastic, I hope to have more opportunities to exchange like this."

The cultural activities and the pottery making and conical hat painting experiences at Lang Son Museum helped students from both countries to overcome language barriers and ignite the flame of solidarity. And the gifts from the two ministers to the schools are a message to the young generation today to be the messengers to continue the neighborly relationship between the two countries.

Strengthening cooperation

At the talks between the two ministers on April 17, General Phan Van Giang affirmed that defense cooperation is an important pillar in the Vietnam-China relationship, 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 the renovation of Chinese martyrs' cemeteries in Vietnam by April 2025; at the same time, he invited Senior Lieutenant General Dong Jun and the Chinese military to attend the celebration of the 50th anniversary 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 peace-loving countries around the world that have supported Vietnam's struggle for national reunification.

Senior Lieutenant General Dong Jun thanked Vietnam for its thoughtfulness, affirming: "The 9th exchange, right after the visit of General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, demonstrates the determination to foster friendship and deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership."

The two sides signed a framework document on the twinning relationship between the Huu Nghi International Border Guard Station (Lang Son) and the Bang Tuong Meeting and Talk Station (Guangxi), affirming continued close cooperation in border management. Lieutenant Colonel Doan Duy Tien, Chief of the Huu Nghi Border Guard Station, said: "The two units have regularly maintained a mechanism of quarterly talks, organized bilateral border patrols and performed well the work of exchanging information and situations through sending letters, hotline phone calls and direct exchanges on the border; coordinated in the fight against crime, illegal entry and exit, smuggling, and maintained security and order in the border areas of the two countries."

Within the framework of the exchange program, the two ministers visited Viettel Logistics Park Lang Son, witnessed modern technologies such as smart customs gates, automatic loading systems, helping to optimize 40% of customs clearance time. This is the result of the Framework Agreement on building smart border gates between Lang Son and Guangxi (June 2023), promoting economic and trade cooperation, supporting the construction of the Vietnam - China Community of Sharing the Future.

Lang Son City residents warmly welcome senior leaders of the Vietnamese and Chinese Ministries of Defense

Aspiration for peace, friendship and development

In the context of increasingly developing Vietnam-China relations, there are still some extreme and anti-China ideologies. These views often stem from ignorance or temporary emotions, which can harm Vietnam's national interests and image in the international arena. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly recognize that Vietnam's cooperation with China for a peaceful and friendly border does not mean giving up sovereignty or depending on its neighbors.

National sovereignty is a core, inviolable value of Vietnam. From the resistance wars against foreign invaders to the 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, clever foreign policy, both maintaining independence and opening up to integration for development.

Border cooperation brings practical benefits to both sides. Cooperation 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 and mutual benefit and does not allow any party to violate its sovereignty or national interests.

Activities within the framework of this year's border defense friendship exchange, such as the "Border Children's Pink Scarf" or the inauguration of the project at Dong Dang Primary School, are a bridge to eliminate prejudice and build trust. Trieu Quoc Viet, a student at Primary School No. 4 (Pingxiang City), drew the national flags of the two countries with the wish: "I hope the Vietnam - China friendship will last forever."

Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang met with Chinese Minister of National Defense Dong Jun - visited Primary School No. 4, 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 the 1116 milestone, the smiles of students to modern logistics cooperation, all affirm that Vietnam and China can build a bright future based on mutual respect. Border cooperation is a way for Vietnam to demonstrate its mettle, opening up for integration without sacrificing core interests.

The flame of peace from this border exchange event will continue to illuminate the journey of the two peoples, 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 Humanitarian Exchange Year" and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations. The State visit of General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping immediately before created new momentum for people-to-people exchange activities, defense cooperation and the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. In Hanoi, events such as the people-to-people friendship meeting program, the launching ceremony of the "Red Journey: Youth Research and Study"... affirmed the importance of consolidating the social foundation, in which the young generation plays a core role.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/kien-tao-long-tin-196250419204523827.htm