Editor’s note: After 55 days and nights of a rapid military campaign symbolizing the spirit of “a day equal to 20 years,” the Spring 1975 General Offensive and Uprising achieved a resounding victory. It marked the triumphant end of the Vietnamese people's struggle to unify the country.

This great victory was the result of a courageous and enduring fight filled with sacrifice, driven by the goal “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom.” It concluded 30 years of revolutionary warfare (1945–1975) and ushered in a new era of national independence and socialism.

Fifty years after this historic triumph, the country now stands at the threshold of another new era - one defined by the determination to build a bright, prosperous future for the Vietnamese people. On this occasion, VietNamNet presents a series of features under the theme “April 30 - the new era,” in which military experts, historians, and eyewitnesses reflect on the lessons, memories, and enduring significance of the victory over American intervention.

These reflections emphasize the power of national unity, the unwavering will to protect independence and territorial integrity, and the people’s confidence in a new era of development. They also present key lessons in mobilizing the people, seeking international support, and executing both diplomatic and military strategies early and effectively to safeguard national sovereignty.

VietNamNet respectfully presents the article by Senior Lieutenant General, Associate Professor, PhD Hoang Xuan Chien – Member of the Party Central Committee, Standing Member of the Central Military Commission, and Deputy Minister of National Defense.

Military diplomacy during the struggle for independence and reunification

During the anti-French resistance (1945–1954), military diplomacy was shaped by the Party's strategy of “people's war” and the government’s flexible foreign policy of “negotiation for progress.” Vietnam coordinated diplomacy with military action - signing the Preliminary Agreement and the Provisional Agreement with France in 1946 - to preserve the young revolutionary regime and buy time for a long resistance war.

Operating under the principle “helping others is helping ourselves,” Vietnam expanded military cooperation westward by sending officers and troops to fight alongside revolutionary forces in Laos and Cambodia. On October 30, 1945, the Lao Issara Government and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam signed the first military cooperation agreement - founding the Laos-Vietnam joint military alliance.

Military ties with China also deepened. In 1949, Vietnam sent forces to assist China’s People’s Liberation Army and helped build up the Viet-Guangxi and Yunnan-Guangxi border bases. In return, Chinese military advisers and Soviet support bolstered Vietnam’s military capacity, while officers were sent to study warfare techniques in socialist countries.

The victory at Dien Bien Phu on May 7, 1954, which ended French colonial rule, significantly enhanced Vietnam’s position at the Geneva Conference. Military diplomacy played a crucial role in negotiations to manage ceasefire arrangements, prisoner exchanges, and troop movements.

During the anti-American resistance (1954–1975), military diplomacy focused on strengthening Vietnam's military alliances with revolutionary forces in Laos and Cambodia and securing support from socialist nations, peace movements, and anti-imperialist allies. Vietnam established military attaché offices in the Soviet Union, China, and Cuba, while those countries also stationed military representatives in Vietnam.

From 1965 to 1975, nearly 6,000 Soviet and 1,500 Chinese military experts came to assist Vietnam. In return, the Vietnamese military sent over 80 delegations abroad for training. These exchanges helped improve combat skills and introduced Vietnam’s military doctrines to international audiences, enhancing its prestige globally.

Military diplomacy also played a key role in the final campaign - Ho Chi Minh’s historic offensive. The Joint Military Commission at Davis Camp monitored the Paris Peace Accords, forming a “sixth offensive front” through diplomatic pressure alongside five military fronts, contributing to the final victory in reunifying the nation.

Over three decades of revolutionary war, Vietnam’s military diplomacy evolved significantly, leveraging international solidarity to amplify national strength and deliver a comprehensive victory over foreign aggressors.

Strategic unity between theory and practice in modern military diplomacy

In the postwar era, especially since the 6th Party Congress launched the Doi Moi reforms, defense diplomacy became vital in securing external support, breaking international embargoes, and normalizing ties with key powers. It contributed to maintaining peace, expanding partnerships, and enhancing national defense capabilities.

The Party has continually refined its approach to military diplomacy. The strategy of defending the nation “early and from afar” now guides defense policy and action across the Party, government, and military. Adhering to the motto of being flexible and responsive while prioritizing national interests, Vietnam pursues peaceful engagement under the principles of independence, sovereignty, and international law.

Defense diplomacy has helped safeguard sovereignty, elevate the country's international status, and strengthen military preparedness. Vietnam has built defense ties with over 100 countries, including all five permanent members of the UN Security Council. Cooperation focuses on delegation exchanges, training, military branches, border security, war legacy remediation, UN peacekeeping, defense industry, medical services, and strategic research.

On the multilateral front, Vietnam actively participates in regional and global forums such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), ADMM-Plus, Shangri-La Dialogue, Xiangshan Forum, and the Moscow International Security Conference. Through these platforms, Vietnam affirms its commitment to peace and its “four no’s” defense policy.

Vietnam’s active participation in UN peacekeeping operations has further enhanced its reputation as a responsible, peace-loving nation. Since 2014, more than 1,100 officers and soldiers have served in various UN missions.

Defense diplomacy has provided valuable resources to modernize the military, boost strategic capabilities, and maintain a peaceful environment for development. It has also honored the deep friendships built during wartime by organizing tributes and reunions with former Soviet, Chinese, and international veterans.

These achievements underscore the sound, creative foreign policy of the Party and the Ministry of National Defense. The consistent leadership of the Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission has ensured defense diplomacy’s vital contributions to nation building and protection.

Key lessons include balancing independence with international solidarity, adapting Marxist-Leninist and Ho Chi Minh diplomatic thought to modern conditions, and viewing defense diplomacy as a peaceful strategy to secure national interests.

In today’s dynamic world, as Vietnam enters a new era of development guided by the 13th Party Congress, defense diplomacy must continue evolving. It must uphold national interests as its top priority, maintain independence in foreign policy, and adhere to the “four no’s” principle to sustain balanced international relations.

Defense diplomacy must be part of a unified foreign strategy alongside state and public diplomacy, leveraging all channels to protect national sovereignty and interests. It must remain principled yet flexible, grounded in the UN Charter and international law, and closely integrated with security and defense objectives.

Ongoing efforts must include timely analysis of global trends, proactive handling of security challenges, and effective bilateral and multilateral cooperation - especially with neighboring countries, strategic partners, ASEAN members, and traditional allies.

Public communication and legal frameworks for defense diplomacy must be enhanced, supported by close coordination among central and local agencies, improved strategic research, and focused training for defense personnel to meet evolving global demands.

In sum, defense diplomacy has helped Vietnam earn respect on the world stage and remains crucial to building and protecting the nation in this new era.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien