Officers at the final review for the 10th Việt Nam–China Border Defence Friendship Exchange in Quảng Ninh Province. — Photo courtesy of Việt Nam National Defence TV Channel

QUẢNG NINH — A delegation from the Ministry of National Defence carried out the final review of preparations for the 10th Việt Nam–China Border Defence Friendship Exchange in the northern province of Quảng Ninh on Tuesday.

The team, led by Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen Lt Gen Nguyễn Trường Thắng, inspected key venues and preparations for activities, including the reception and farewell ceremonies for the Chinese defence delegation at Móng Cái International Border Gate, a border marker salutation and friendship tree-planting event, the groundbreaking of the Hải Sơn Commune Friendship Health Station, visits to the Trần Phú High School and Trà Cổ Border Guard Station, as well as arrangements for the talks between the two countries’ defence ministers.

They also assessed the deployment of personnel and equipment, reception formations, ceremonial setups and protocol work, along with coordination among participating forces.

On-site checks indicated that preparations are largely on track, meeting requirements for progress, quality and overall planning.

Praising the proactive and responsible efforts by the agencies and units involved, Thắng highlighted their thorough planning, close coordination and synchronised implementation in ensuring overall readiness.

He stressed that the exchange is a key defence diplomacy event, helping to reinforce solidarity and friendship between Việt Nam and China while enhancing cooperation between the two militaries, border guard forces and local authorities along the shared frontier.

The deputy defence minister called on relevant units to finalise outstanding tasks promptly, with particular focus on reception arrangements, ceremonial presentation and inter-agency coordination to ensure the programme runs smoothly and on schedule.

He also underscored the need for full readiness in logistics, health care, security and safety, along with contingency plans, and urged close coordination with local authorities to guarantee the best possible conditions for the event’s success.

Vietnamese, Chinese military medical teams give free check-ups to border residents

On the same day, military medical teams from the two countries jointly provided medical examinations and treatment for residents in Hoành Mô Commune in Việt Nam’s Quảng Ninh province and Dongxing city in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Military medical staff from Việt Nam and China provide free health check-ups for residents in the border area. — VNA/VNS Photo

Major General Trần Công Trường, deputy director of the Military Medical Department (under the General Department of Logistics and Technical Services of the Việt Nam People’s Army), said the free medical examination and treatment programme is one of the key activities of the 10th Việt Nam–China Border Defence Friendship Exchange.

The initiative carries significant political, social and humanitarian meaning, expressing gratitude for the support and assistance that local residents and authorities have provided for the armed forces of the two countries. 

The event also contributes to the solidarity and friendship between the peoples and militaries of Việt Nam and China, particularly their military medical forces, Trường noted.

Colonel Xiao Jun, Director of the 924 Hospital and head of the Chinese delegation, said that providing free medical services for residents in border areas vividly demonstrates the two countries’ shared commitment to building a Việt Nam–China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

The activity also represents a practical step to further deepen cooperation and friendship between the two militaries.

To prepare for the programme, the Chinese side selected a team of highly qualified medical professionals and brought modern equipment to work closely with Vietnamese counterparts.

Together, they conducted medical examinations, consultations, diagnosis and treatment for common illnesses while also sharing knowledge and specialised advice about more complex medical conditions. 

The joint medical activities not only help improve community health but also demonstrate the humanitarian spirit, cooperation and solidarity between the Vietnamese and Chinese military medical forces in serving border residents. — VNA/VNS