The 7th Vietnam–China Border Defense Friendship Exchange (Photo: People' Army newspaper)

Nurturing relationship

Given the two countries’ efforts and cooperation, border affairs and the land border area between Vietnam and China have been stable in recent years while the border marker system has been maintained and border security and order guaranteed.

Border defense friendship exchanges and diplomatic activities of the Party, administration, and people of Vietnam’s seven northern border provinces and China’s Guangxi and Yunnan provinces have been more practical and effective.

Border trade and economic cooperation have constantly grown with turnover accounting for 85% of Vietnam’s the total trade revenue with neighboring countries. Bustling border cities and trade areas have been built. Border gates are upgraded to meet the increasing trade demand.

Both sides have jointly implemented several border agreements, a cooperation agreement on protecting and encouraging tourism resources of Ban Gioc waterfall, and an agreement on free passage of ships in Bac Luan estuary.

The friendship and solidarity between the Vietnamese and Chinese border guards and the local people have seen progress. Meaningful activities have been held such as sisterhood between residential areas and between border stations, local cultural exchanges, and cooperation for economic development.

These activities prove that the land border between Vietnam and China is not only a national territorial demarcation, but actually an area for cooperation and development and a bridge of solidarity and friendship.   

Border defense friendship exchange’s role

The first Vietnam–China Border Defense Friendship Exchange was successfully held in March, 2014 in Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province and China’s Guangxi province. This important milestone opened a new chapter and favorable start for border cooperation. Since then the exchange has always been held at an increasingly larger scale.

After each exchange, cooperation mechanisms between the two countries’ border forces have been improved. Border management and defense, entry and exit, and crime prevention and control have been effectively developed in the spirit of mutual understanding and respect.

During the 2-year COVID-19 pandemic, defense cooperation between Vietnam and China has been maintained flexibly and effectively. The two sides have coordinated to deploy teams and checkpoints to prevent illegal entry and exit and to control the spread of COVID-19.

Border defense exchange between Vietnam and China plays an important role in the relations of their Parties, States, and militaries and in maintaining a border built on peace, friendship, cooperation, and development. The 7^th exchange once again confirmed a common desire between the two countries to foster the friendly relationship, political trust, and effective cooperation.