A Half-Century Revisited: Why This Moment Matters

On April 30, Vietnam paused to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification with a spectacular military parade in Ho Chi Minh City.

More than 13,000 participants marched past the historic Independence Palace, as the Communist Party’s General Secretary, To Lam, reflected on lessons from the “Great Spring Victory” of 1975.

But why do these lessons still resonate today, and what do they tell us about Vietnam’s evolving role in Southeast Asia?

Learning from the Great Spring Victory

Lam opened the ceremony by paying tribute to President Ho Chi Minh—“the brilliant leader of our Party and nation, a hero of national liberation, and a great figure of international communist and labor movements.”

He emphasized that the 1975 triumph yielded both theoretical insights and practical strategies that continue to guide Vietnam’s revolutionary path.

Key highlights:

• Popular Unity: Harnessing the power of the people and a broad national front, combining domestic strength with international solidarity.
• Patriotism and Self-Reliance: Fostering national pride and economic independence throughout a protracted conflict.
• Independence and Socialism: Charting a uniquely Vietnamese route to socialism, tailored to local conditions and global realities.

The Party’s Seven Revolutionary Lessons

General Secretary To Lam systematically outlined each lesson:

1. Mobilize the People: Forge an unbreakable unity bloc.
2. Champion National Self-Reliance: Cultivate patriotism as the war’s backbone.
3. Defend Independence and Socialism: Stay on the revolutionary path best suited to Vietnam.
4. Innovate Warfare: Develop creative theories of people’s war and military art.
5. Act Quickly and Boldly: Emulate the audacious tactics of the Spring Offensive.
6. Embrace Reconciliation: Practice benevolence, heal wounds, and look forward.
7. Ensure Absolute Party Leadership: Build a strong Party apparatus to steer every phase of the liberation struggle.

Regional Solidarity Takes the Stage

For the first time in decades, contingents from China, Laos and Cambodia marched alongside Vietnamese troops—a vivid demonstration of socialist camaraderie.

Observers wonder: does this display signal a renewed regional security arrangement with Beijing’s collaboration?

The spectacle comes amid shifting alliances. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Hanoi underscores the potential for China and Vietnam to forge alliances to maintain stability in Southeast Asia.

Messages of Solidarity from Laos

The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, President, Government, National Assembly and Front for National Construction extended warm congratulations to the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the President of Vietnam, the Government, the National Assembly and the Vietnam Fatherland Front.

Their joint message hailed the April 30 victory as “a brilliant landmark in world history” and celebrated the shared triumph of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia under the special Việt Nam–Laos combatant alliance.

Lao leaders praised Vietnam’s “historic achievements” in economic growth, social development and international standing, and expressed confidence that under General Secretary Tô Lâm, Vietnam will successfully implement the 13th Party Congress Resolution and prepare for the upcoming 14th Party Congress.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane also conveyed personal congratulations to Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn, respectively.

Cambodia Honors a Shared Struggle

Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People’s Party, sent a letter to CPV General Secretary Tô Lâm, lauding the 1975 victory as a “testament to patriotism, unity and sacrifice.”

Prime Minister Hun Manet and National Assembly President Khuon Sudary addressed their congratulations to Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn highlighted Cambodia–Vietnam friendship as a “traditional bond of mutual support,” pledging to deepen cooperation under the principles of good neighborliness and sustainable partnership.

Asian Partners Join the Celebration

The Communist Party of India and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar sent messages recognizing Vietnam’s half-century of peace and development.

In Bangkok, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa applauded Vietnam’s role as a close neighbor and strategic partner, committing to elevate the bilateral relationship to new heights.

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