On the morning of April 16, activities within the framework of the 9th Vietnam–China Border Defence Friendship Exchange officially commenced.

General Phan Van Giang, Vietnamese Minister of National Defence, and Senior Lieutenant General Dong Jun, Chinese Minister of National Defence, co-chaired the exchange events taking place in the northern province of Lang Son and China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

The programme began in Guangxi (China) on the morning of April 16 and will continue in Lang Son (Vietnam) on April 17.

Key activities on April 16 in China include a welcome ceremony for the Vietnamese delegation, a visit to the Youyi Guan tourism area, a group photo session, a visit to the Border Guard Company at Youyi Guan Border Gate, and a tree planting ceremony symbolising friendship. At this location, via virtual connection, the two ministers of defence will witness the 38th joint naval patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin. This marks the first time the two countries’ naval forces have participated in the Border Defence Friendship Exchange.

The two delegations will then visit the Smart Border Gate at Youyi Guan, visit Pingxiang City's No.4 Primary School, tour the Chu Lien model village in Ningming County, attend a reception, and conclude the activities in China with a farewell ceremony for the Vietnamese delegation.

In Vietnam, major activities scheduled for April 17 include a welcome ceremony for the Chinese delegation, a tree planting ceremony, a visit to Dong Dang Primary School, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new multifunctional building, a visit to the Border Guard Post at the Huu Nghi International Border Gate, a tour of the Viettel Group's logistics park, a bilateral meeting, and a signing ceremony for cooperation documents.

The Vietnam–China Border Defence Friendship Exchange is held annually in the border provinces of the two countries and has continued to expand in both breadth and depth, featuring diverse, practical, and meaningful activities.

It is a politically significant event, receiving strong support from the two countries' leaders, broad public approval, and international attention. Through each edition, Vietnam–China defence cooperation has made positive strides as a contribution to the deepening of bilateral relations between the two nations and their militaries.

This year’s edition of the exchange takes on added significance as it follows the state visit to Vietnam by Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, at the invitation of Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong from April 14–15. The event contributes to realizing the common perceptions reached by the two countries’ senior leaders.

The 9th Vietnam–China Border Defence Friendship Exchange affirms the role of defence cooperation and the two ministries of national defence in strengthening traditional friendship and the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two nations. The event holds special significance as it takes place in the context of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and China (January 18, 1950 – January 18, 2025) and the Vietnam–China Humanistic Exchange Year 2025.

Vietnam–China Youth Forum underscores role of young people in upholding ideals

The Vietnam–China Youth Forum took place in Hanoi on April 14, offering a valuable platform for delegates from both countries to share experiences and discuss key priorities in youth education.

Vietnam–China youth friendship meeting kicks off in Hanoi

The 24th Vietnam–China youth friendship meeting opened in Hanoi on April 14, aiming to further solidify the traditional ties between the two countries.