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The Party Committee and Command of the Border Guard have, over the years, prioritized the establishment of a "people’s defense posture," leveraging the role of the populace. These efforts have significantly contributed to maintaining political stability, social order, and safety, as well as safeguarding sovereignty over land and maritime borders.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Anh Tuan (standing in the middle) inspects the Saigon River to the Can Gio sea area.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944 - December 22, 2024), Lieutenant General Nguyen Anh Tuan, Party Committee secretary and political commissar of the Border Guard, shared insights on the management and protection of the national borders.

Over nearly 10 years of implementing the Prime Minister's Directive No. 01/CT-TTg on organizing the "all people participate in protecting national sovereignty and border security in the new situation" movement, the Border Guard forces have achieved remarkable results. Could you elaborate on this?

Over the past decade, the implementation of Directive No. 01 has proven to be a pivotal and timely policy, addressing the demands and realities of the modern era. It represents a significant transformation in leadership, guidance, and organization in safeguarding the national border in today’s context.

This directive has heightened the sense of responsibility across the political system, among all levels and sectors, and most importantly, among the people. It has reaffirmed the Border Guard’s core role in managing, protecting borders and border gates.

To date, 100% of border villages have established community-based security teams, and local residents have voluntarily registered to safeguard borderlines and national landmarks. More than 3,000 self-managed boat and ship groups and over 500 safe harbor teams have been formed to actively protect the nation's maritime sovereignty.

Nationwide campaigns focusing on border and island areas have mobilized vast resources to support border regions, providing timely encouragement to officers, soldiers, and ethnic communities to overcome challenges.

Simultaneously, the Border Guard forces have implemented effective policies to foster socio-economic development, enhancing the living standards of people in border regions. These contributions have been instrumental in building a stronger national defense and a people-centric security system.

Alongside the critical mission of safeguarding territorial sovereignty and national border security, the Border Guard force actively supports economic and social development in border areas, improving the material and spiritual lives of local residents. Could you elaborate on this key responsibility?

We firmly believe that "Strong borders are built on the foundation of public support." Therefore, Border Guard officers and soldiers regularly collaborate closely with government ministries, agencies, mass organizations, and socio-political entities. We actively advise and work with local Party committees and authorities to launch and implement various effective programs, models, and initiatives.

For nearly a decade, the program supporting students to school has provided sponsorship for over 30,000 students, with financial aid amounting to nearly VND 200 billion (US$7.8 million). This includes support for 701 Laotian students and 896 Cambodian students. To date, approximately 800 students under the program have graduated from high school, and 383 have been admitted to universities and colleges.

Another notable initiative is the warm-hearted spring program. Since 2016, during each Lunar New Year, Border Guard units have organized meaningful activities to ensure a joyous and prosperous celebration for people in border areas. These efforts have contributed resources totaling nearly VND 190 billion (US$7.47 million).

These initiatives are vital in strengthening the socio-economic foundation of border areas and exemplify the deep connection between the Border Guard forces and the communities they serve.

Border Guard patrolling the border.

What key areas will the Party Committee and Border Guard Command focus on to reinforce and develop the “People’s Solidarity Front” along border areas in the coming time?

In today’s context, the Border Guard Command recognizes that enhancing education and improving living standards in border regions are critical to solidifying the "People’s Solidarity Front."

To further uphold the Army’s pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s frontiers, the Party Committee and Border Guard Command will intensify efforts to raise awareness among officers and soldiers. This includes promoting a deep understanding of border-related duties and the importance of public engagement in national defense.

Specifically, Party organizations at all levels will focus on bolstering leadership and various patriotic campaigns. A particular emphasis will be placed on learning and practicing the ideology, morality, and style of President Ho Chi Minh.

The Border Guard will continue to enhance the skills and capabilities of cadres deployed to grassroots units, including Border Guard Party members participating in local Party cell activities and taking responsibility for households in border areas. These efforts aim to strengthen political stability at the grassroots level.

Officers and soldiers stationed across the nation’s border regions and islands will uphold the motto "The post is home, the border is homeland, and ethnic people are family." Assisting local communities is not only a responsibility but also a heartfelt duty. This commitment is a key factor in successfully accomplishing all assigned missions.

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