At the talks, Phan Van Giang said the 10th exchange carries special significance as it takes place shortly after the first Vietnam-China ministerial-level 3+3 strategic dialogue involving the ministries of foreign affairs, national defence and public security. The event demonstrates the active role of the two defence ministries in realizing common perceptions reached by senior leaders of the two Parties and States on defence cooperation.

He expressed confidence that with practical and meaningful activities, the exchange will conclude successfully, becoming an important feature of bilateral external relations in the early days of 2026 and contributing to a friendly and cooperative atmosphere between the two Parties, States and armed forces.

Reviewing the ten editions of the programme, Phan Van Giang said the Vietnam-China Border Defence Friendship Exchange has become a notable feature in bilateral defence ties. Since its launch in 2014, the exchange has expanded over 12 years and 10 editions in both scale and depth

Initially focused on activities between military units of the two countries, the exchange has gradually broadened in scale and format to include local authorities and organisations. Activities such as free medical check-ups and free medicine distribution for border residents, as well as cultural exchanges among students and communities, have been held on a regular basis. Many activities have become more substantive, including, for the first time this year, a joint training activity between the two navies.

The exchange has helped implement foreign policy orientations of both countries, while showing the leading role of the Central Military Commission and the defence ministries in carrying out high-level agreements on strengthening defence cooperation and building closer ties based on common ground.

It has become an important channel for contact and discussion between the two defence ministries on issues of mutual concern, helping shape cooperation directions and reinforcing defence cooperation as a pillar of bilateral relations.

The exchange also promotes people-to-people ties, thereby creating opportunities for people in border areas of both countries to engage in cultural exchanges and share experience in socio-economic development, while boosting coordination among border protection forces in handling arising complex issues.

Phan Van Giang said the exchange has become a typical model of border defence cooperation and an annual external activity of political significance, receiving support from leaders at all levels, support from people of both countries and attention from the international community.

On future directions, he proposed that both sides continue to maintain and further strengthen the mechanism, making it more substantive and effective, while reaffirming its role as an important annual political and diplomatic activity and a key channel for exchanges between the two defence ministries.

He also suggested increasing communication efforts to broaden the reach of the exchange and underline the message of political trust and friendship between the two Parties, States and armed forces.

For his part, Dong Jun thanked Phan Van Giang and Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence for organising the activities of the exchange. He said he was pleased to co-chair the event and noted that he and Phan Van Giang had recently attended the first ministerial-level 3+3 strategic dialogue, where they discussed bilateral defence cooperation.

He said ties between the two countries and their militaries have continued to strengthen, and that defence cooperation activities have contributed to closer relations. He added that both sides should expand exchanges to help maintain regional and global stability.

Since its launch in 2014, the exchange has spread a spirit of friendship and contributed to significant progress in bilateral relations, he said, adding that the mechanism has grown more substantive in recent years and expanded into new areas.

Dong Jun said the exchange contributes to bilateral ties, strengthens ties among people in border areas of both countries, and promotes exchanges among Vietnam, Laos and China. Building on this tradition, both sides should continue to expand exchanges between their armed forces.

On this occasion, Dong Jun invited Phan Van Giang to attend this year’s Xiangshan Forum.

Later the same day, a farewell ceremony for the Chinese defence delegation was held at Mong Cai International Border Gate. On March 19, a Vietnamese delegation led by Phan Van Giang will travel to China to take part in exchange activities in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Vietnam-China Border Defence Friendship Exchange opens in Quang Ninh

VOV.VN - The 10th Vietnam-China Border Defence Friendship Exchange officially began on the morning of March 18, with numerous activities held in northern Quang Ninh province.

Final checks completed for 10th Vietnam – China border defence friendship exchange

A delegation from the Ministry of National Defence carried out the final review of preparations for the 10th Vietnam – China Border Defence Friendship Exchange in the northern province of Quang Ninh on March 17.