The request was made at an event in Da Nang city on April 25 marking the conferment of the title “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces” on Military Region 5.

Reflecting on the unit’s 80-year history, from the Ba To guerrilla force to major resistance bases across the central and Central Highlands regions, the leader highlighted a legacy of resilience, ingenuity, and sacrifice. He stressed that these achievements were built not only on the dedication of soldiers but also on the steadfast support of local communities, particularly ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands and coastal regions.

As Vietnam enters a new development phase with higher demand for national defense and security, the top leader urged the force to enhance strategic research, forecasting, and advisory capacity, ensuring early and proactive responses to emerging challenges.

He also called for intensified training reform, greater application of science and technology, and accelerated digital transformation, alongside mastering modern equipment. These efforts, he said, are essential to improving combat readiness in high-tech warfare environments, including electronic and cyber warfare, as well as addressing non-traditional security threats.

Alongside modernisation, the Party chief underscored the importance of maintaining firm political resolve and upholding the principle of the Party’s absolute and direct leadership over the military. He stressed that directives must be translated into practical, region-specific actions to ensure that Military Region 5 remains politically steadfast, organisationally strong, and combat-ready.

A key message reiterated throughout the speech was the central role of the people in national defence. The leader emphasised that Military Region 5 should continue to play a core role in building an all-people national defence posture closely linked with the people’s security posture, particularly in strategic, border, and coastal areas.

The armed forces, he noted, must fulfill not only their combat role but also their functions in public engagement and socio-economic development, supporting communities in stabilising livelihoods and maintaining a presence in key areas. “The strongest and most sustainable source of military strength lies in the people,” he said, noting that this foundation depends on shared trust and unity between the military and the population.

On internal development, the Party General Secretary and President called for a clean, strong Party organisation within Military Region 5, emphasising unity, enhanced political and ideological education, and continued efforts to study and follow Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, ethics, and style.

Under all circumstances, he affirmed, the armed forces must stay absolutely loyal to the Party, the Fatherland, and the people, upholding their ideals and resilience in the face of any challenges.

Earlier, the Party General Secretary and President and his delegation offered incense at the Da Nang Martyrs’ Memorial and visited a Vietnamese Heroic Mother in the locality.

PM calls on Military Region 4 to uphold heroic tradition to safeguard nation

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on April 18 called on Military Region 4 to build on their proud legacy and continue playing a pivotal role in safeguarding Vietnam’s sovereignty and stability, particularly in the central region.