(VOVworld) – The third Vietnam – China border defense friendship exchange and related activities have been held by the Defense Ministries of Vietnam and China in Vietnam’s Lang Son city and China’s Guangxi province. The exchange aims to enhance political trust, generate new momentum, deepen the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and build a border of peace, friendship, cooperation, and resilient growth.
  

Vietnamese Defense Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh (R) and Chinese Defense Minister  Chang Wanquan salute Vietnam's territorial landmark 1223 at Chi Ma border checkpoint, Moc Binh, Lang Son province. (photo: nhandan.com.vn)

The annual Vietnam-China border defense friendship exchange has become an important political and cultural event for residents along the Vietnam-China border and a special event for the armies of the two countries.

A friendly relationship between the two armies

Vietnam and China share many similarities in culture and customs.  Vietnamese and Chinese peoples have supported each other in struggles for national liberation.

The two countries have entered a pivotal period of reform and development. Upholding the common perception of the leaders on reinforcing political trust, deepening the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership towards sustainability, resolving disputes by peaceful negotiations, and complying with international law, the 3^rd Vietnam-China border defense friendship exchange aims to strengthen unity and friendship between peoples, armies, and administrations and refute reactionary arguments against the Vietnam-China relationship.

Chinese Defense Minister, Senior Lieutenant General Chang Wanquan, said: “We need to unite to develop our cooperative partnership for victory towards the future, make the seed of friendship between our armies grow, and convey the concept of mutual prosperity and peaceful existence from generation to generation.’

The Vietnam-China border defense friendship exchange has enhanced trust between the two peoples and armed forces for a border of peace, friendship, cooperation, and resilient development. It has brought about practical results in preventing and combating border crimes and protecting the border and markers over the years.  The border defense forces have publicized the policies of their Parties and governments to border soldiers and residents.

Enhancing friendship and unity

Amidst rapid changes in the region and the world and pending issues relating to Vietnamese and Chinese maritime demarcation, the two countries need to engage in more exchanges and cooperative activities.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Defense Nguyen Chi Vinh talks about measures to improve cooperation in fighting cross-border crimes and managing laborers. “The armed forces, particularly the border guards, need to work more closely to implement current cooperative programs and diversify activities to ensure a peaceful and stable environment for economic development and bilateral relations. I urge the authorities of Lang Son and Guangxi province to pay attention to military exchanges.”