Vietnamese soldiers wave their flag above De Castries' bunker on May 7, 1954. (Photo: VNA)

The victory on May 7, 1954, left the French colonialists with no other choice than to sign the Geneva Agreement to restore peace and recognize the sovereignty and independence of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. For nine years the Vietnamese people had fought hard and bravely. This glorious victory was a milestone in the histories of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and a major contribution to breaking down the global colonial system.

The victory captured the Vietnamese media spotlight on Thursday. The Quan Doi Nhan Dan (People's Army) newspaper reviewed comments by the world media on the Dien Bien Phu victory, which became an inspiration for national liberation movements worldwide. VOV’s online newspaper highlighted the determination the Vietnamese people showed at Dien Bien Phu, which has reappeared in the fight against COVID-19 and post-pandemic recovery efforts. Vietnam has been touted around the world for its low-cost model for getting COVID-19 under control, and is now expected be one of the first countries to revive its economy.