Speech by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to the Central Military Commission Conference

On July 8, 2024, the 10th Conference of the Central Military Commission was held in Hanoi to review the results. Regarding military and defense work and Party building in the first six months of the year, and the implementation of key tasks for the last six months of 2024, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Secretary of the Central Military Commission, sent directives and suggested some important ideas for the Conference to consider during the discussion. Nhan Dan Newspaper respectfully presents the full text of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's directives.

On July 8, 2024, the Central Military Commission held its 10th Conference to review and evaluate the results of leadership in implementing military and national defense tasks and building the Party Committee of the Army during the first six months of the year, and to discuss and decide on policies and solutions for leading the implementation of tasks in the last six months of 2024. I acknowledge and highly appreciate the achievements and results that the Central Military Commission has led and directed the entire army to achieve in the first six months of the year, and I hope that you will achieve even better results in the last six months of the year.

In the first six months of 2024, the global and regional situation continued to be volatile and unpredictable; strategic competition among major powers intensified; and escalating military conflicts in several countries and regions remained uncontrolled, continuing to have multifaceted impacts on global security and development. Domestically, some limitations and shortcomings were slow to be addressed. The impact of climate change, natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and saltwater intrusion severely affected many localities, with several incidents occurring recently. fire This causes serious damage to people and property and has a negative impact on social life. Hostile forces thoroughly exploit and exacerbate existing shortcomings and limitations in some areas of social life to undermine the Party, the State, and our regime.

In this context, under the comprehensive and timely leadership of the Party, the decisive and flexible direction and management of the Government, the support and cooperation of the National Assembly, and the close coordination between central ministries, departments, and agencies and localities, we have achieved encouraging results: Political and social stability has been maintained; the economy continues to maintain its development momentum (GDP growth reached 6.42%, far exceeding the 3.72% growth in the same period of 2023); national defense, security, and foreign relations have been consolidated and strengthened; the work of building and rectifying the Party and the political system has been promoted; and the people's trust in the Party and the State continues to be enhanced.

The Politburo and the Secretariat promptly issued important resolutions, directives, and conclusions, especially regulations on the revolutionary ethical standards of cadres and Party members in the new period. The Central Committee successfully organized four conferences to decide on important national issues, including high-level Party personnel appointments and preparations for the 14th Party Congress. The National Assembly held four sessions to decide on major national issues, consolidate high-level State leadership, ensuring timeliness and creating consensus among the people and the entire society.

During the first six months of the year, the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense strictly adhered to and implemented the Party's directives and resolutions, and the State's policies and laws. They upheld principles, closely followed practical realities, and decisively led and directed the entire army to build upon the achievements of the previous year, effectively implementing strategic breakthroughs and comprehensively fulfilling all tasks set at the beginning of the year. Many tasks were completed well and exceptionally well.

1. Regarding the results of leadership in carrying out tasks during the first six months of 2024, there are five outstanding points in summary:

Firstly, the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense have continued to closely monitor the situation, promptly advising the Party and State on strategic issues related to military affairs, national defense, and safeguarding the Fatherland; demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in handling situations and preventing potential conflicts; maintaining strategic initiative and avoiding passivity and surprise. They have actively and proactively implemented Resolution No. 8 of the 13th Central Committee on the Strategy for National Defense in the New Situation effectively at all levels, sectors, and localities.

Secondly, we must continue to play a core role in building a national defense system based on the participation of the entire population, a national defense posture integrated with a people's security posture and an increasingly solid "people's support" posture. We must closely coordinate with central and local ministries and agencies to complete the appraisal of the planning for the six socio-economic regions of the country, contributing to promoting, linking, and coordinating these regions; and effectively implement the policy of combining national defense with socio-economic development, and combining socio-economic development with national defense.

The presiding body, in coordination with central ministries, departments, and agencies, and Dien Bien province, directed the organization of activities and parades commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, befitting the significance of this historical event, leaving a positive impression on the people and international friends; arousing patriotism, the strength of national unity, and encouraging all sectors of the population to uphold the spirit of decisive victory, overcome difficulties and challenges, and continue to strive to achieve new miracles in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland.

Actively coordinate closely with the People's Public Security and other forces to maintain political security, social order and safety, protect the safety of important events of the Party and State, and maintain a peaceful and stable environment for national development. Always be at the forefront in participating in disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief efforts to protect the lives and property of the people (this is a solid foundation for consolidating and maintaining the close-knit military-civilian solidarity; I propose that the Central Military Commission continue to lead the entire army to further develop this in the future).

Thirdly, the entire army will continue to strictly maintain discipline and combat readiness, closely managing borders, inland areas, airspace, sea areas, islands, and cyberspace. It will effectively direct and manage large-scale joint military exercises, including inter-service and cyber warfare exercises, in strategic directions, in accordance with new combat types and Vietnamese military tactics and art. In directing the adjustment of force organization, it will always prioritize maintaining political and ideological stability, thereby enhancing the strength and ability of units to fulfill their missions; ensuring high levels of unity and cohesion among Party committees and commanders at all levels, and paying attention to implementing effective policies for officers and soldiers. It will complete the set of criteria for building a regular, elite, and modern People's Army in the new situation.

Fourthly, the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense have paid close attention to and directed the synchronized implementation of defense industry, finance, logistics, technology, defense diplomacy, and other aspects of work, achieving many encouraging results, especially in defense industry, which has continued to make new breakthroughs; international integration and defense diplomacy have achieved many positive results, particularly: the very successful organization of the 8th Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchange.

Fifthly, special attention has been paid to building a strong Party organization within the Army in terms of politics, ideology, ethics, organization, and personnel; maintaining and strengthening the absolute and direct leadership of the Party over the Army in all aspects. The implementation of the Law on Officers of the Vietnam People's Army has been completed; political and ideological activities have been widely implemented, and "self-reflection and self-correction" has been regularly conducted at all levels, contributing to preventing all manifestations of ideological, political, moral, and lifestyle degradation, "self-evolution," and "self-transformation" within the Party. The work of protecting the Party's ideological foundation and combating erroneous and hostile viewpoints in the new situation has continued to be promoted, contributing to the firm consolidation of the Party's ideological front. Many effective policies, solutions, and methods have been implemented to further promote the study and emulation of Ho Chi Minh's thought, morality, and style. Upholding the qualities of "Uncle Ho's soldiers," resolutely combating individualism in the new situation.

With outstanding results achieved in the three years of implementing Conclusion No. 01 of the Politburo and the two years of implementing Resolution No. 847 of the Central Military Commission, it can be affirmed that the qualities of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" continue to shine brightly; under any circumstances, officers and soldiers throughout the army always remain steadfast, unwavering, united, overcome difficulties, and successfully complete all assigned tasks. They always actively participate in building strong local political foundations, helping people eradicate hunger and poverty, building new rural areas, doing good work in supporting the army's rear areas, visiting and giving gifts to policy beneficiary families and meritorious people, building houses of gratitude, and caring for Vietnamese Heroic Mothers...

The achievements in the first six months of 2024 are due to many factors, among which the regular and comprehensive leadership and guidance of the Party and State, and the close and effective coordination of central and local ministries, departments, and agencies are of great importance. However, the most significant factor is that the Central Military Commission and Party committees and commanders at all levels throughout the army have upheld principles, maintained unity and cohesion, ensured "unity from top to bottom," and achieved seamless coordination; implemented many innovations in working methods and styles, and embraced the spirit of "seven dares" (dare to think, dare to speak, dare to act, dare to take responsibility, dare to innovate, dare to confront difficulties and challenges, and dare to act for the common good); correctly selected key tasks and breakthroughs, and focused on decisive leadership and guidance with comprehensive, practical, and effective solutions.

On behalf of the Party and State leadership, I wholeheartedly commend the outstanding achievements of the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defense, and all officers and soldiers of the armed forces in the first six months of 2024. However, alongside these achievements, the first six months also presented some limitations and shortcomings, as assessed in the reports. I propose that the Central Military Commission focus its leadership and guidance on addressing these issues promptly in the remaining six months of the year; ensuring that these limitations and shortcomings do not persist or recur.

2. Regarding the leadership direction for implementing tasks in the last six months of 2024

In the last six months of 2024, the global and regional situation is expected to continue to experience new, rapid, complex, and unpredictable developments. This is also a crucial period for us to focus on fundamentally completing the targets and objectives set forth in the Resolution of the 13th National Congress of the Party. Simultaneously, we must prepare for the Party congresses at all levels for the 2025-2030 term, leading up to the 14th National Congress of the Party. Therefore, the entire Party, people, and army need to continue striving to successfully achieve the goals and tasks set for 2024. To ensure the entire army successfully fulfills its tasks in the last six months of 2024, the Central Military Commission needs to focus on leading and directing the effective implementation of several key areas. I would like to summarize them with the spirit of "5 determinations and 5 proactive approaches" as follows:

* Regarding 5 resolutions

Firstly , we must be determined to successfully complete the goals, tasks, and solutions set forth in the Resolution of the 13th National Congress of the Party and the 11th Congress of the Party Committee of the Army. We must promptly review the work contents according to the established programs and plans, especially the three breakthrough areas. We must continue to effectively implement resolutions, strategies, and projects on military affairs, national defense, and the protection of the Fatherland, focusing on Resolution No. 8 of the 13th Central Committee on the Strategy for National Defense in the New Situation. These are very large and difficult issues, requiring the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense to continue advising, proposing, and coordinating the effective implementation of the Central Committee's Resolution nationwide and within the Army.

Secondly , we must be determined to lead and direct the best possible combat readiness and combat training. We must proactively and successfully respond to traditional and non-traditional security challenges. We must innovate and improve the quality of training and exercises to meet the new operational conditions of warfare using high-tech weapons and equipment. We must strengthen research, summarize practical experiences, and supplement and develop the theoretical system of military affairs, national defense, people's war art, and Vietnamese military art in the new context.

Thirdly , the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense are determined to lead and direct the consolidation of the Army's organization and personnel: They need to continue leading and directing the effective implementation of Resolution No. 05-NQ/TW of the Politburo on the organization of the Vietnam People's Army for the period 2021-2030 and beyond; resolutely directing the completion of tasks and solutions related to the "Year of fundamentally completing the adjustment of the force's organization towards being lean, compact, and strong," and completing the dissolution, merger, and establishment of new agencies and units according to plan.

Fourth , we must be determined to build a strong contingent of military officers to meet the demands of the new situation. In this regard, the Central Military Commission needs to prioritize directing Party committees and commanders at all levels to thoroughly understand and seriously and effectively implement Political Bureau Regulation No. 144 on the revolutionary ethical standards of cadres and Party members in the new period; promote the five standards of "Uncle Ho's Soldiers," resolutely fight against the ten manifestations of individualism in accordance with the spirit of Central Military Commission Resolution No. 847, and enhance the self-cultivation and training of cadres and Party members. We must regularly educate and awaken the potential and aspirations of cadres and Party members; continue to build a contingent of cadres in the spirit of "seven dares"; and promptly guide the thoughts and opinions of cadres, Party members, and the masses on complex and sensitive issues. Creating the best conditions and environment for each official and Party member to conscientiously fulfill their assigned responsibilities and duties, strictly abide by the law, discipline, and orders of superiors, and be ready to accept and successfully complete all tasks entrusted by the Party, the State, and the people.

This year , we are determined to organize well the activities leading up to the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army and the 35th anniversary of the National Defense Day: We will conduct thorough and extensive propaganda and education work so that the people at home and international friends can gain a deeper understanding of the history of building, fighting, winning, maturing, and the outstanding achievements of the heroic Vietnam People's Army, and the achievements in building a national defense system; thereby, further affirming the correct and wise leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh in determining the revolutionary line, the military and national defense line, building a national defense system, and the people's armed forces protecting the Fatherland.

* Regarding the 5 proactive approaches

Firstly, proactively advise, propose, and handle situations. Timely grasp the situation, advise correctly and effectively on solutions and countermeasures to successfully handle situations, avoiding passivity and surprise, and preventing conflicts and disputes from escalating into armed conflict or war.

Secondly, proactively protect the sovereignty of the borders, seas, and islands, and the unity and territorial integrity of the Fatherland. Continue to build and effectively implement projects and plans for socio-economic development and ensure national defense and security in key regions and areas, especially the Project "Combining economics with national defense and security in the management and protection of maritime and island sovereignty".

Thirdly, proactively and effectively prepare for the 12th Party Congress of the Army, leading up to the 14th National Party Congress. Thorough preparation is essential, from drafting guiding documents for the congress to preparing the congress's materials and personnel; this should be identified as a key priority in the coming period. In particular, attention should be paid to the recruitment and planning of cadres at all levels, ensuring that the personnel for the congress are of high quality and possess a strategic vision to contribute to the Central Committee's strategic cadre pool.

Fourth, proactively direct the effective implementation of assigned political tasks. Complete and effectively implement projects leading up to the commemorations of: the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army and the 35th anniversary of the National Defense Day; the 50th anniversary of the complete liberation of the South and national reunification; and the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution and National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Direct the effective implementation of defense zone exercises at all levels, paying attention to ensuring absolute safety of personnel, weapons, and technical equipment. Regularly adjust, supplement, and refine plans for disaster prevention, search, rescue, and relief.

Directing the full and timely provision of logistics, technical, and financial support; promoting a proactive, self-reliant, and self-strengthening spirit in building and developing the national defense industry towards dual-use, modern technology, meeting the requirements of military modernization. Continuing to effectively implement the resolutions and conclusions of the Politburo and the Central Military Commission on international integration and defense diplomacy. Organizing the 2024 International Defense Exhibition and defense diplomacy activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army and the 35th anniversary of the National Defense Day, creating a positive impression on international friends, and contributing to promoting the image of the Army, the image of "Uncle Ho's soldiers," and the image of Vietnam and its people as peace-loving, cultured, and heroic.

Fifth, proactively implement measures to build a truly clean, strong, exemplary, and outstanding Party Committee within the Army in terms of politics, ideology, ethics, organization, and personnel: Continuously improve leadership capacity and combat strength, maintain and strengthen the absolute and direct leadership of the Party over the Army in all aspects. Continue to organize and promote the study and emulation of Ho Chi Minh's thought, ethics, and style with creative and appropriate models and methods, especially emulation so that each officer and Party member "wants to learn and wants to emulate," thereby being dedicated, ready to contribute, ready to sacrifice, and serve the Party, the Fatherland, and the people. Implement comprehensive solutions to maintain and promote the qualities of "Uncle Ho's soldiers," resolutely combating individualism in the new situation.

Prioritize the effective protection of internal political security; actively and proactively take the lead in protecting the ideological foundation, combating erroneous and hostile viewpoints, and maintaining the Party's ideological stronghold within the Army. Effectively implement mass mobilization work and policies supporting the military's rear areas, contributing to strengthening and consolidating the close-knit military-civilian relationship and building a solid "people's support" base.

I believe that with the positive results achieved in the first six months of the year, and with strong political determination, the Party Committee of the Army and the entire armed forces will certainly strive to excellently fulfill military and national defense tasks and Party building work in the last six months of 2024, living up to the expectations and trust of the Party, the State, and the people.

After The Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence will hold the All-Army Military-Political Conference for the first six months of 2024. I propose that the policies and decisions set forth by the Central Military Commission at this meeting be disseminated to all officers and soldiers; and that we continue to instill and build high morale and determination throughout the entire army, striving to successfully complete all tasks in the last six months of 2024 and in the following years.

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