 | Trees Planting Ceremony as Testament of Vietnam-China Friendship |
| Young People - Source of Vitality and Bright Future for Vietnam - China Relations |
Lu Mei Nian, former interpreter at Vietnam’s 2.9 School in Guangxi:
Proud of the years teaching at Vietnam’s 2.9 School
I was born in 1945 and grew up in Ha Giang, Vietnam. As a child, I only spoke Vietnamese. At the age of nine, I moved to Guilin, China, to study Mandarin and continue my education, eventually graduating from Guangxi Normal University.
 |
| Lu My Niem (center) shares her thoughts at the "Vietnam - China Alumni Gathering" program. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
When the resistance war against the United States entered a critical phase, responding to the call of the two countries' leaders, I joined many other young volunteers in teaching both Vietnamese and Chinese to students. The Vietnam 2.9 School was a large-scale educational system for Vietnamese students in China. In Guilin, several institutions were established, including Nguyen Van Troi Military School, Nguyen Van Be School, Vo Thi Sau School, and the Central Ethnic School. To maintain secrecy during wartime, these schools were collectively referred to as the Vietnam 2.9 School.
The years I spent living and working there were the most fulfilling and cherished of my life. People treated me like family, and my deep affection for Vietnam grew stronger, passed down to future generations. All of my children are fluent in Vietnamese. My son chose to study, work, and build a family in Vietnam.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, I visited Vietnam every year. After three years, this meaningful gathering has finally given me the chance to return. I see that Vietnam has become cleaner, more modern, and more orderly. I believe that with its continuous progress, your country will confidently stride toward a bright future.
Nguyen The Su, former head of the Chinese Language Department, Hanoi University:
Preserving and promoting Vietnam - China friendship
With nearly 40 years dedicated to Chinese language studies, I have had numerous opportunities to study and teach in China, witnessing the close ties between the peoples of our two countries. The memories I have with my teachers, friends, and students remain deeply engraved in my heart.
 |
| Nguyen The Su, former head of the Chinese Language Department, Hanoi University. (Photo: Nguyen The Su) |
In 1992, I studied at Peking University on a full scholarship from the Chinese government. One of my most memorable experiences was receiving an unexpected invitation to dinner from the university’s Party Secretary, He Bin, just a few months after my arrival. During our conversation, he expressed his delight that, after years of interruption, Peking University was once again welcoming Vietnamese students. He recalled that in the 1950s and 1960s, Vietnamese students had always left a strong impression with their diligence, discipline, and strong sense of solidarity. I was deeply moved and promised to uphold and carry forward this tradition, contributing to the continued friendship between our two nations.
During my time at Peking University, I was always supported by my professors. Knowing that I was unfamiliar with the food in the university canteen, they thoughtfully provided a small oil stove and cookware so I could prepare meals to my taste. These small yet heartfelt gestures deepened my affection for the people and culture of China. Even now, whenever I return to Beijing, I make it a point to visit my alma mater and express my gratitude to the teachers who guided me.
Vietnam - China relations are entering a new phase of substantive and effective development. I hope both countries will continue to promote education on the tradition of friendship across all segments of society, especially among the younger generation. Only by understanding the history of our ties can future generations inherit and foster these shared values, working together to build a lasting relationship toward a peaceful and prosperous future.
Tran Xuan Hoai, Former Student of Lu Son - Guilin Vietnamese Children’s School:
Leveraging Chinese knowledge: Learning with purpose, working with impact
China is one of the world's leading nations in science and technology. Vietnam must seize this opportunity to learn and apply its advancements effectively.
To drive scientific and technological development, Vietnam should tap into China’s vast knowledge resources and practical applications. While many young Chinese scientists have a strong command of English, a significant portion of technical expertise and innovation is still primarily conveyed in Chinese. Mastering the language will allow Vietnam to access these technological advancements more quickly and collaborate more effectively.
