Vietnam, China work together to maintain peaceful border

He told the Vietnam News Agency that the programme has also helped to promote coordination between the two countries’ border forces in dealing with issues regarding territorial sovereignty, border security, and border law compliance, and in organising activities to improve living standards of border residents as well as development in the border areas. 

The defence activities in reality have contributed to intensifying mutual trust between the two Parties and armies, and settling differences between Vietnam and China on the basis of mutual respect, respect for international law and interest sharing, Vinh said. 

The Deputy Minister said during the exchange programme, the two sides engaged in practical activities, with the most noteworthy being a joint exercise on cross-border anti-terrorism and the building of a border friendship cultural house.

The activities demonstrate the resolve of Vietnamese and Chinese Parties, States and armies to maintain a border of peace and cooperation, and bring happiness and prosperity to their people. 

Through their talks, Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Defence Minister of Vietnam General Ngo Xuan Lich and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China Senior Lieutenant General Fan Changlong agreed to expand and deepen the border exchange, from the defence ministerial level to military zone and provincial levels, he said. 

They also consented to step up exchanges between hamlets and consider border guards the centre force of the exchange programme, apart from public security, youth and other social groups, according to the officer. 

Minister Lich noted his hope for increased border exchange activities in particular as well as stronger defence cooperation in general, Vinh said.

The two sides are working on measures to support people in health care and natural disaster response, the officer said, expressing his belief that with the determination of the two Parties and armies, these reached agreements will be realised.