Vietnam Appreciates China’s Past Assistance
Vietnam’s Minister of National Defense, General Phan Van Giang, extended this invitation during a meeting with Chinese Minister of National Defense, General Dong Qun, held on April 17th in Lang Son City, Lang Son Province. This meeting took place within the framework of the 9th Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchange.
The meeting highlighted prior cooperative activities, including medical assistance, free medicine provision to border communities, and cultural exchanges between local people and students, all contributing to realizing the “Year of Vietnamese-Chinese Cultural Exchange.”
Minister Phan Van Giang emphasized that, based on the shared understanding of both nations’ high-level leadership, bilateral defense cooperation has been proactively and effectively implemented, solidifying it as a crucial pillar in their relationship. This has been evident across various sectors.
Border management and security forces of both countries have continued to proactively cooperate in combating crime and managing border areas.
Maritime border cooperation has become increasingly substantial. The navies and coast guards of both nations continue to effectively deploy bilateral cooperation mechanisms; cooperation in party affairs, political work, joint efforts between military branches, coast guards, and defense industries has also been prioritized.
General Giang affirmed that Vietnam always remembers and appreciates the generous assistance provided by the Chinese Party, Government, Military, and people in Vietnam’s struggle for national independence and in the country’s development.
Following a shared understanding of the high-level leadership of both nations, particularly after the state visit of Chinese General Secretary and President Xi Jinping to Vietnam, both Ministers focused on several key areas of cooperation, including exchanges at various levels, maintaining effective and regular cooperation mechanisms, political work, and promoting political work exchanges between agencies and units.
Vietnam’s Consistent “Four Noes” Defense Policy
Vietnam’s “Four Noes” defense policy:
- No participation in military alliances.
- No alliance with one country against another.
- No allowing foreign military bases or the use of Vietnamese territory against another country.
- No use of force or threat of force in international relations.
During the meeting, both sides also shared views on the global and regional situation and other mutual concerns.
Minister Phan Van Giang stated that Vietnam adheres to its consistent independent, self-reliant, peaceful, friendly, cooperative, and developmental foreign policy, aiming for diversification and multilateralism.
Vietnam seeks to be a friend to all nations, particularly values friendly relations with neighboring countries, and consistently upholds its “Four Noes” defense policy.
Regarding the South China Sea issue, Vietnam firmly and persistently seeks a peaceful resolution, adhering to the shared understanding of high-level leaders of Vietnam and China.
On April 30th, Vietnam will host a national ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and unification of the country (April 30, 1975-April 30, 2025) in Ho Chi Minh City. Minister Phan Van Giang extends a warm invitation to Minister Dong Qun to attend this important event.
Vietnam also cordially invites the Chinese Ministry of National Defense to send a contingent of personnel to participate in the parade.
According to General Phan Van Giang, this is an opportunity for Vietnam to express its gratitude to China and other peace-loving countries for their support of Vietnam’s reunification efforts.
General Dong Qun emphasized that the 9th Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchange, held immediately following President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Vietnam, demonstrates the determination of both parties and the people of both countries to foster the traditional friendship between Vietnam and China, thereby further strengthening Vietnam’s comprehensive strategic partnership with China.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a framework agreement between the Huu Nghi International Border Station of the Lang Son Province Border Defense Force and the Bang Tuong Meeting Station of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Border Defense Force of China.
