At the event, General Phan Van Giang stressed that the tenth edition holds special significance as it follows the first ministerial-level strategic dialogue among the two countries’ foreign affairs, defense, and public security ministries. It reflects both sides’ pro-active efforts in implementing the common understanding reached by the senior leaders of the two Parties and States on defense cooperation and other agreed areas of collaboration.
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Local residents and students welcome the defense ministers of Vietnam and China. |
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General Phan Van Giang (right) and Senior Lieutenant General Dong Jun |
The Vietnamese defense leader expressed confidence that the 10th exchange, through its practical activities, will succeed as a highlight of bilateral relations in early Spring 2026, fostering cooperation between the two Parties, States, and militaries.
Reviewing the 10 editions, General Phan Van Giang affirmed the Vietnam - China Border Defense Friendship Exchange as a bright spot in defense ties. Since 2014, the event has grown in scale and substance over 12 years. Initially focused on military units, it now includes local authorities and mass organizations. Regular activities include free medical care, medicine distribution, and cultural exchanges for border residents. This year notably marked the first joint naval training exercise observed by both sides.
The Vietnamese Defense Minister stressed that the exchange actualizes the foreign policies of Vietnam and China. It demonstrates the pioneering role of the Central Military Commission and the Ministries of National Defense in implementing senior leaders' common understandings. These efforts promote substantive defense cooperation and build a strong bilateral relationship. The exchange serves as a vital channel for defense leaders to discuss mutual concerns and align on cooperation, ensuring defense remains a true pillar of bilateral relations.
Exchange activities promote people-to-people diplomacy and create opportunities for cultural interaction and economic cooperation, helping citizens of both countries build prosperous lives. These efforts also strengthen ties between border protection forces and local authorities, enhancing coordination to address emerging complex issues effectively.
General Phan Van Giang affirmed that the exchange has become a model of border defense cooperation and a significant annual foreign affairs event. Supported by leaders and citizens alike, it serves as a bridge of friendship for officials and soldiers on both sides of the border.
Regarding future orientations, the Vietnamese Defense Minister proposed enhancing the mechanism's effectiveness and substance. He called for stronger communication to highlight political trust and the special solidarity between the Parties, States, and militaries of Vietnam and China.
Senior Lieutenant General Dong Jun expressed his pleasure in co-chairing the event and participating in the first ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, and Public Security. Highlighting this 10th exchange, the Chinese defense leader thanked Vietnam for its thorough preparations and noted that defense cooperation has steadily deepened bilateral ties.
According to the Chinese Minister of National Defense, both sides should continue enhancing exchanges to contribute to regional and global stability. Since 2014, the exchange has driven remarkable development in bilateral relations under the guidance of senior leadership. These activities have expanded into multiple fields with increasing depth, making the friendly atmosphere between Vietnam and China more pronounced as both militaries work to further realize these commitments.
He added that the exchange is crucial for regional security, particularly along the shared border. Local communities have benefited from increased interaction, as the initiative strengthens bilateral relations and fosters closer ties among border populations, including Vietnam, Laos, and China. In recent years, this mechanism has become more substantive, symbolizing cooperation between the two Parties and States.
On this occasion, Senior Lieutenant General Dong Jun respectfully invited General Phan Van Giang to attend this year’s Xiangshan Forum.
Translated by Tran Hoai