Vietnam’s army has been active in forecasting and dealing with any contingency, Sen. Lt. Gen. Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence, said at a Wednesday session [January 27] of the ongoing Party Congress.

Sen. Lt. Gen. Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Defense Minister at the ongoing Party congress. Photo: Hoang Thuy/VNExpress

The army keeps vigilance on the sovereignty protection, mostly in the South China Sea (called East Sea by Vietnam) to ensure peace and stability for the country’s development, Mr. Giang said in a speech delivered at the major political event.

He added that the army is determined to protect the territorial integrity and get ready for non-traditional security challenges.

The whole-of-nation or “all-people” defense doctrine has been consolidated more firmly, Mr. Giang said.

In the speech, the high ranking army official named three main points for the development of the military with the first focusing on building streamlined and strong army prioritizing manpower to units on duty, or garrisoned in border areas and islands.

Promoting defense industry and logistic work namely weapon repair and maintenance to master advanced technologies is another mission set out in Giang’s speech.

The last but not least mission is to improve the training and fostering defense diplomacy to reaffirm the motto of “defending the Homeland from afar.”

Mr. Giang also highlighted the plan to modernize the military to make it well-equipped, modern, and strong by 2030.

He affirmed the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam in the army and the army fights for the Party, the State, and the people.