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Promoting national pride and patriotism

Forty-six years later, the Northern Border Defense War's spirit of resilience and patriotism still fuels national integration. In this just war to protect the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, many Vietnamese laid down their lives for the sacred peace and independence of the country.

A self-defense force of female soldiers in Ban Phiet Forest in Hoang Lien Son (now Lao Cai) Province. (Photo: Nguyen Tran/VNA)

The event of February 17, 1979, was a tragic moment in Vietnam-China relations. At that time, our military and people fought tenaciously and courageously, ultimately securing victory and safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity.

Professor and People's Teacher Vu Duong Ninh from Vietnam National University, Hanoi, stated that patriotism was the foundation of this just war’s success.

"More than ever, the spirit of patriotism and courageous determination created an immense strength, allowing us to achieve victory in the battle to protect the northern border. In a very short period, we accomplished such a monumental task," said the Professor.

Professor and People's Teacher Vu Duong Ninh

Sharing the same viewpoint, Colonel, Associate Professor, and Doctor Tran Ngoc Long, former Deputy Director of the Institute of Military History of Vietnam, emphasized that national pride and patriotism were once again at their peak under the leadership of the Party. The Party’s just cause united the entire population, creating unparalleled strength to repel all acts of sovereignty violations.

"Under the Party’s leadership and organizational guidance, national unity forged an unrivaled strength. That strength stemmed from national pride and the determination of the Vietnamese people. We not only thwarted the enemy’s war efforts but also defended every sacred inch of our homeland’s territory," stated Associate Professor Dr. Tran Ngoc Long.

Looking at history with a proper attitude

Reflecting on the Northern Border Defense War, the passage of time has illuminated many historical events and truths. Scholars and historians agree that throughout thousands of years of nation-building and defense, the Vietnamese people have never succumbed to any invading force.

The event on the northern border once again tested the resilience and courage of an entire nation. Despite the immense hardships following years of war, when the homeland was threatened, every Vietnamese citizen stood ready to sacrifice for their country.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Nhat, former Director of the Vietnam Institute of History, emphasized that in any war when national borders and sovereignty are violated, every Vietnamese person unites and stands together to safeguard the nation's independence and territorial integrity.

In the forty-six years that have passed, Vietnam and China have normalized relations, moving towards positive development. History remains unchanged. Therefore, future generations must delve deeper into research and draw lessons from the past to adopt a responsible and appropriate approach to history for both today and the future.

Professor and Doctor of Science Vu Minh Giang, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences.

Professor and Doctor of Science Vu Minh Giang, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences, stressed the urgent necessity of examining history with a proper and serious attitude to avoid repeating mistakes and further widening the gap in Vietnam-China relations.

The decades have not dull the impact this pivitol moment of Vietnamese sovereignty. In this just war, no one is forgotten. Those who fought on the battlefield will always be remembered, honored, and commemorated in the glorious history of the nation.

This unfortunate historical event remains a scar, yet it should not become an obstacle preventing the two neighboring countries, both following a socialist orientation, from fostering closer ties.

Despite historical ups and downs, the overarching trend in Vietnam-China relations has been one of friendship and cooperation. This requires both countries to continue building mutual trust and respect, working together toward peace and stability in their respective nations, and contributing to regional and global peace.

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