Tasked with safeguarding national sovereignty and border security, the Border Guard has long stood as the “steel shield at the frontier.” Today, it is also a driving force in strengthening political trust, community resilience, and socio-economic development in border regions.

In a recent interview, Lieutenant General Nguyen Anh Tuan, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of the Vietnam Border Guard, emphasised that protecting territorial integrity and fostering development are inseparable missions in the country’s strategic vision.

Consolidating a strong “All-people border defence posture”

Reflecting on the 2020–2025 term, Lieut. Gen. Tuan noted that despite complex challenges in border areas and the broader region, the Border Guard has effectively fulfilled its core responsibilities.

“We have focused on accurately assessing and forecasting the situation, promptly advising the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence to introduce appropriate policies and solutions to safeguard territorial sovereignty and border security,” he said.

The force has strengthened Party building within its ranks, reformed leadership methods, and streamlined its organisational structure to become “lean, compact, strong, effective, and efficient.” Modern infrastructure, including border posts, checkpoints, and protective facilities, has been upgraded, while digital transformation and administrative reforms have been accelerated, particularly in border gate management.

At the same time, the Border Guard has invested in modern technical equipment and logistics to enhance operational capacity in surveillance, law enforcement, crime prevention, and border control.

Yet, beyond institutional reform and modernisation, Lieut. Gen. Tuan underscored the human dimension of border defence.

“We work closely with local authorities to raise public awareness and responsibility in protecting the border. Through practical programmes and models, we help build strong grassroots political systems and support socio-economic development, especially poverty reduction in remote areas,” he affirmed.

These efforts contribute to a robust “all-people border defence posture” - a comprehensive approach combining national defence, public engagement, and sustainable development.

“Quang Trung Campaign”: Rebuilding homes, strengthening solidarity

The humanitarian spirit of the Border Guard was vividly demonstrated during the recent “Quang Trung Campaign,” launched by the Prime Minister to support disaster-affected communities in border provinces.

“For 67 years, helping people as if they are our own family has been one of our core principles,” Lieut. Gen. Tuan emphasised.

From December 7, 2025, to January 8, 2026, Border Guard units from Da Nang to Lam Dong mobilised 25 construction teams comprising 239 officers and soldiers. Contributing more than 5,300 working days, they built and repaired 35 houses, completing the mission ahead of schedule and providing additional household essentials to help families stabilise their lives before the Lunar New Year.

“I believe the ‘Quang Trung Campaign’ did not merely rebuild houses damaged by natural disasters. It strengthened national solidarity and deepened the bonds between the Party, the State, the armed forces, and the people in affected areas,” he reflected.

For communities along the borders and coastlines, the campaign left not only solid new homes but also renewed trust and closer military-civilian ties, further reinforcing the all-people border defence posture.

National Party Congress: A new strategic milestone

According to Lieut. Gen. Tuan, the 14th National Party Congress is widely regarded as a strategic milestone for the country’s next phase of development.

“For the entire Border Guard Party Committee and every officer and Party member, the 14th National Party Congress holds special significance,” he stated. “It symbolises the crystallsation of the will, courage, and wisdom of the Vietnamese people and the armed forces, forming a solid political foundation for entering a new era of growth and prosperity.”

He reaffirmed that each Party organisation and officer within the Border Guard ris committed to its role as the “steel shield guarding the frontier,” protecting every sacred inch of national territory while serving as a bridge between “the Party’s will and the people’s trust” in border areas.

Integrating national defence and development

The documents for the 14th National Party Congress highlight the effective implementation of two strategic tasks: national construction and national defence, closely integrating defence and security with economic, cultural, social development, and foreign affairs.

In his opinion, the Border Guard will promptly translate the Congress’s resolution into concrete action programmes, ensuring clarity in “who does what, by when, with what responsibility and measurable outcomes.”

He stressed the importance of enhancing strategic research and forecasting capacity to prevent surprises and effectively address both traditional and non-traditional security challenges. This includes disaster response, disease control, search and rescue, and improving coordination mechanisms to safeguard national security in border regions.

The force will also continue implementing the Politburo’s Conclusion No. 99 (October 17, 2024), mobilising the strength of the entire political system and the people in border protection, while actively contributing to socio-economic development and grassroots political consolidation.

A frontier of stability, a foundation for aspiration

From patrolling rugged mountain passes to assisting villagers in rebuilding homes, from modernising border checkpoints to strengthening international border cooperation, the Vietnam Border Guard embodies a dual mission of protecting sovereignty and nurturing development.

Lieut. Gen. Tuan concluded that the spirit of vigilance and solidarity at the frontier continues to inspire broader national aspirations.

“Proud of our glorious traditions and the qualities of ‘Uncle Ho’s soldiers’ in the new era, we are determined to achieve even greater breakthroughs in border defence work, contributing to the successful building and safeguarding of a socialist, strong, prosperous, and thriving Vietnam,” he stated.

Pilot smart border gate project launched at Mong Cai-Dongxing border gate

VOV.VN - A ceremony to launch the pilot construction of a smart border gate at the Mong Cai–Dongxing international border gate was held in Mong Cai Ward 1, Quang Ninh (Vietnam), and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (China) on February 11.