On this occasion, Deputy Defense Minister, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh granted an interview to the People’s Army Newspaper.
Reporter: Foreign relations conducted via exchanges and cooperation activities in border areas have become a highlight in defense cooperative ties between Vietnam and China. Could you please tell us more about what should be done to bring more substantial effects?
Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh: Most importantly, the exchange must be maintained. To get this done, we must be clearly determined that the exchange each year must benefit both Vietnam and China. Those benefits are also for the common interests of the two countries, for the cooperation between the two militaries, and for areas along the shared borderline.
It should be noted that not just the places where the exchange takes place, but the whole areas along the shared borderline will benefit from the activities of the event. As for a border exchange, the most important content is the exchange of information to find out detailed and particular initiatives, regulations and actions that assist the management and construction of a borderline of peace and friendship, in line with the law while respecting each country’s sovereignty, providing favorable conditions for border people to stabilize their life. Therefore, in each exchange, we must consider the benefits that it may bring about and what should be done to develop the overall Vietnam-China defense relations and develop the shared borderline in an increasingly stable manner and to make people understand that they benefit from those activities.
The exchanges in recent years have reached this target. In the coming years, Vietnam and China will make efforts to meet increasingly higher requirements.
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Two sides’ border guard forces in a joint patrol session |
Reporter: As the one to plan and participate in the exchange, what do you think are the lessons that we’ve learnt after the four previous exchanges?
Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh: The most noticeable lesson is that a country that wants to develop in a stable and peaceful environment and firmly protect its sovereignty should have a borderline of stability and development. The borderline should serve as not only the legal demarcation, but also the starting point for cooperation activities in all aspects, including politics, economics, culture, etc., with neighboring countries.
Therefore, focusing on border protection is the right policy of the Party and State. Hopefully, more attention would be paid to infrastructure, people’s living standards, production level and economic cooperation in border areas to help build a more stable and peaceful borderline.
As for the Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchange, lessons learnt show that we must prepare thoroughly. Due to the fact that the event is participated in by thousands of people, we must carry out activities in a way that does not affect people, pollute the environment, damage traffic roads in border areas, and more. That is why preparation is a very important part.
Besides, as it is a border exchange, not only military forces, but the whole political systems, people, and politico-social organizations in the border areas should be engaged in the event. The border force will play the key role.
Reporter: Vietnam-China relations have seen encouraging development over the past time. What should the two militaries do in order to boost the relations in a stable and healthy fashion?
Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh: First, both Vietnam and China must fully understand that peace and stability of this country also benefit the other. In order to come to that understanding, particular actions must be taken. Therefore, to improve bilateral defense relations, substantial cooperation must be enhanced. In carrying out foreign relations activities in general and with regard to China in particular, it is very important that we follow a foreign policy of independence, multilateralization and diversification of relations while staying pro-active in carrying out the work. The motto of pro-activeness has been introduced closely and thoroughly by the Central Military Commission to commanders at all levels. We will do whatever we can together with China to bring benefits to the country, to ensure peace and friendship. In recent years, the two sides have furthered their understanding on this issue.
There still remains difference in the East Sea (South China Sea) issue between Vietnam and China, however. This is the reality and we do not set aside the issue in the overall bilateral relations. However, the important point is we must be straightforward. We have to substantially and fully implement the common perception of leaders of the two parties, which states that all issues must be solved by peaceful means, on the basis of international law and signed documents such as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), respect for each other’s independence and sovereignty. For the two militaries, they must commit to non-use of violence and force to solve problems in the East Sea. This content is never left out in any meetings between military leaders of the two countries and the Chinese side has completely agreed with that. This is the principle viewpoint and we will strictly implement it to firmly safeguard our national sovereignty while maintaining peace in the East Sea and sustained peace for the country.
Reporter: General Ngo Xuan Lich has stressed that to improve defense relations quality, we should pay attention to building up a contingent of cadres in charge of the work. As for those in charge of border relations, how has this contingent been built up, Mr. Deputy Minister?
Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh: This is one of the decisive factors. We aim to build up a contingent specifically in charge of the work. First, there should be a body of the Ministry of National Defense, consisting of those with knowledge and understanding of the work and contents to be implemented with foreign countries. Second, there should be the in-charge force of the border guards, consisting of those working at border posts with good command of foreign relations. At present, training cadres in charge of border relations is one of the requirements for the border force.
In the third Vietnam-China border defense friendship exchange, Vietnam raised this issue and proposed that the Chinese side support us. After that, the Chinese side agreed to hold Chinese language training courses for Vietnamese border officers with such contents as reception, foreign relations, etc.
Those are useful and practical contents beyond the program of the Vietnam-China border defense friendship exchange.
Reporter: Thank you very much!
Reported by Vu Hung - Van Duyen
Translated by Huu Duong