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A reporter of the People’s Army Newspaper and troops joining the parade on the Red Square in Moscow in May |
The world is witnessing rapid developments that are profoundly impacting global peace, security, and development. However, the role of military journalism is not merely to report events. More importantly, it aims to inform international audiences about Vietnam’s policies, the Party’s guidelines, the country’s people and culture, and the nation’s viewpoints on regional and global issues. As Vietnam’s international standing continues to rise, today’s generation of journalist-soldiers can feel the “pulse” of global affairs right in the heart of Hanoi, exemplified by the DPRK–U.S. Summit held in February 2019.
In recent years, Vietnam’s foreign affairs activities in general, and defense diplomacy in particular, have expanded significantly. As a result, military journalists face greater responsibilities and higher demands. Their duties range from accompanying Party, State, and military leaders on official visits and international conferences; traveling thousands of nautical miles with naval and coast guard forces for defense diplomacy engagements; covering the International Army Games in Russia and other host nations; reporting on border diplomacy with neighboring countries; joining humanitarian missions in countries like Turkey and Myanmar; following Vietnamese peacekeepers to U.N. missions in remote African regions; and covering major international events hosted in Hanoi, such as the Vietnam Defense Expo.
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The People’s Army Newspaper’s reporters talking with their foreigners at the Vietnam Defense Expo 2024 |
Such assignments demand professional competence from military journalists and editors. They must work methodically, respond quickly, and demonstrate the resilience to overcome any challenge in order to fulfill their missions effectively and on schedule.
Their greatest source of encouragement is the trust placed in them by their superiors and the support they receive from related agencies, units, and fellow journalists. Their deepest satisfaction comes from helping international audiences gain a better understanding of Vietnam’s foreign policy, its peaceful and self-defensive national defense strategy, and the image of a peace-loving nation and army committed to cooperation for peace, stability, and development.
As Deputy Defense Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien emphasized at a recent conference, external communications have become a vital bridge, fully reflecting the outcomes of Vietnam’s international integration and defense diplomacy to domestic military personnel, overseas Vietnamese, and the global community.
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Journalists of the People’s Army Newspaper covering activities within the 9th Vietnam – China Border Defense Friendship Exchange |
While journalism is undergoing profound changes due to technological advancement, connecting Vietnam with the world remains an unwavering mission for military journalists. Each journey and each assignment, whether domestic or abroad, adds valuable experience and significance to their professional careers.
Translated by Tran Hoai