Vietnam reaffirms “Four Nos” defense policy, sticks to peaceful settlement of disputes

Addressing participating delegates, including foreign leaders and officials, To Lam emphasized that Vietnam’s highest goal is to build a peaceful, prosperous, civilized, and thriving nation while contributing to the construction of a peaceful world free of war, where people can live in independence, freedom, and happiness.

Vietnam remains consistent in its policy of resolving all disputes and disagreements through peaceful measures based on international law, respecting the independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and internal affairs of all nations, he said.

The Party leader also reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to the “Four Nos” defense policy that is not joining military alliances, not aligning with one country to oppose another, not allowing foreign military bases or using its territory against any other country, and not using force or threatening to use force in international relations.

At the function, the General Secretary highlighted the glorious tradition and remarkable achievements recorded by the Vietnam People’s Army over the past eight decades since it was founded on December 22, 1944.

Guided and nurtured by the Party and Ho Chi Minh, and supported by the people, the army quickly grew and achieved remarkable victories, including the victory of the August 1945 Revolution, of the 1945 Dien Bien Phu campaign over French colonialism, and of the 1975 Ho Chi Minh Campaign over American imperialism, significantly contributing to national liberation and reunification.

He emphasized the close bond between the army and the people, with the military serving as the backbone in natural disaster relief, disease control, and rescue efforts. Many officers and soldiers have sacrificed their lives in such missions, showcasing the noble qualities of the “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers” in the modern era.

In recent years, he said the army has restructured towards a streamlined, powerful, and modern force. Advances in the defense industry have enabled the production of modern weapons and dual-use products. International integration and defense diplomacy have yielded comprehensive results, elevating Vietnam’s position globally and contributing to national and international security.

In the new context, the General Secretary stressed the need to build a revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern army, which he said must be politically strong, absolutely loyal to the nation, the Party, the State, and the people, firmly adhering to the Party’s ideals and goals. It should have a streamlined, efficient, and strong organizational structure, while attracting and training talents and developing high-quality human resources.

The army must ensure that its officers and soldiers are capable of fighting and winning in all forms of aggression, especially new forms of warfare, while effectively responding to non-traditional security challenges and mastering new strategic domains, he said.

The Party chief also reminded that the army must continue advancing international integration and defense diplomacy, actively participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.

The Party, State, and people believe that the Vietnamese People’s Army will continue to uphold its glorious tradition, achieve outstanding victories, and, together with the entire Party and people, firmly protect the socialist state of Vietnam, he said.