Rewritten Article: The 50th Anniversary Celebration of Vietnam's Reunification: Chinese Troops Make an Appearance
Massive procession in grand commemoration, marking 50 years since the collapse of Saigon in Vietnam.
Vietnam threw its grandest celebration ever to mark the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon this week, inviting Chinese troops for the first time since Xi Jinping's visit to solidify Beijing as a more dependable ally than Washington. The vibrant parade, held in a city now named after Ho Chi Minh, showcased a lotus-shaped float bearing a portrait of the revolutionary leader and aerial displays of flags by fighter jets and helicopters.
Thousands of Vietnamese people, young and old, some even camping out overnight, turned up to witness the spectacle, sharing food, and camaraderie while waiting for the proceedings. The anniversary commemorates the arrival of communist North Vietnam's tanks at the gates of the South's presidential palace, a move that crushed the U.S.-backed South and dealt a crushing blow to American moral and military prestige.
A 75-year-old war veteran, Tran Van Truong, who participated in the event from Hanoi, proudly stated, "I'm grateful for contributing to the liberation of the South, but I bear no malice towards those on the opposite side of the battle. We should join hands to celebrate the end of the war." As many as 13,000 people were expected to march down Ho Chi Minh City's Le Duan Street, culminating at the Independence Palace, with participants including veterans, soldiers, and members of the public.
China's presence in the celebrations was prominent, with more than 300 soldiers from China, Laos, and Cambodia taking part in the event. Approximately 300,000 Chinese troops were involved in the bloody conflict, providing crucial anti-aircraft defense support and logistical assistance to North Vietnam[3]. This year marked the first time that Chinese soldiers have been part of a large-scale anniversary celebration.
The historical bond between China and Vietnam is complex, as only four years after the end of the Vietnam War, China itself invaded Vietnam; however, Hanoi's troops managed to drive back the Chinese forces[2]. Zach Abuza, a professor of Southeast Asian politics at the National War College in Washington, suggests that Vietnam's inclusion of Chinese soldiers in the commemoration activities is a way of acknowledging their historical contributions and signaling a more cordial relationship.
Vietnam and the United States have since reestablished close ties, becoming significant trade partners. However, Vietnam still adheres to a "bamboo diplomacy" approach, maintaining friendly relations with both China and the United States[1]. In a speech before the parade, top party leader To Lam underscored the significance of support from China, the Soviet Union, and other countries, including American people, in the country's success.
The anniversary commemorations come after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Hanoi this month, as Beijing seeks to present itself as a stable alternative to the United States amid threats of 46% U.S. tariffs and cuts in foreign aid that may affect Vietnam's war legacy programs[1]. China has indirectly contributed to the Vietnam War through military and economic support for North Vietnam, though Chinese troops were not directly engaged in combat operations during the conflict[3].
In an article published on the government's news portal, To Lam emphasized reconciliation and encouraged the Vietnamese people to part ways with hatred, division, and separation, paving the way for future generations to experience a war-free existence. As the majority of the population was born after the war's end, a sense of excitement was palpable among young people who anticipate the historic event.
Thang Dang, an 19-year-old physical education student participating in the parade, expressed his pride and his family's keen interest in the event, noting, "I will tell my future children about this event. I am so proud, and my family is proud too." Social media users have been eagerly awaiting the festivities following extensive media coverage of rehearsals, all controlled by the state.
- In the 50th anniversary celebration of Vietnam's reunification, Chinese troops shared the stage, signifying a potential shift in politics, with Beijing perhaps offering a more dependable alliance than Washington.
- The grand celebration, which included a lotus-shaped float and aerial displays, was attended by thousands of Vietnamese people, notably a 75-year-old war veteran who expressed gratitude but no malice towards opposing forces.
- As many as 13,000 individuals participated in the parade, with representatives from various sectors, including veterans, soldiers, and civilians, collectively marching down Ho Chi Minh City’s Le Duan Street.
- China's visibility in the celebrations was notable, as over 300 soldiers from China, Laos, and Cambodia played important roles, echoing the historical contributions of Chinese troops during the conflict.
- In the years following the end of the Vietnam War, China itself invaded Vietnam, yet the complex relationship between the two nations remains, with mutual interests reported in education, trade, and war-legacy programs.
- A professor of Southeast Asian politics suggests that the inclusion of Chinese soldiers in the commemorations is a diplomatic move, acknowledging their historical contributions and signaling a more cordial relationship.
- Vietnam and the United States have cultivated closer ties over the years, becoming significant trade partners, yet Vietnam has maintained a strategic approach in politics, referred to as "bamboo diplomacy," by keeping friendly relations with both China and the United States.
- During the event, top party leader To Lam underscored the importance of support from neighbors like China, the Soviet Union, and American people, as well as encouragement for the populace to move past hatred, division, and separation.
- As the majority of the population was born after the war, there is a palpable sense of excitement among young people, with an 19-year-old physical education student eager to pass down memories of the event to future generations.
