In a powerful display of regional solidarity, Vietnam is preparing to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification on April 30, 2025, with a landmark military parade in Ho Chi Minh City. For the first time in the nation’s history, foreign military units from Laos, Cambodia, and China will join Vietnamese forces in the event, underscoring the deepening ties of friendship and defense cooperation across the region. The parade, a centerpiece of the anniversary celebrations, reflects not only Vietnam’s historic triumph in 1975 but also its evolving role as a diplomatic and military partner in Southeast Asia.
A Historic First for Vietnam’s Military Parades
The inclusion of international military delegations in Vietnam’s national parade marks a significant departure from tradition. Historically, such events have been exclusively domestic, showcasing the strength and unity of Vietnam’s armed forces. This year, however, officers and soldiers from the Lao People’s Army and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces have arrived in Bình Dương Province to train alongside their Vietnamese counterparts, following an invitation from the Ministry of National Defence. A delegation from China will also participate, adding further weight to the event’s diplomatic significance. 
The decision to include foreign troops highlights Vietnam’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation at a time when geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea and broader Southeast Asian region continue to simmer. Analysts suggest this move may also signal Hanoi’s intent to balance its relationships with neighboring countries while reinforcing historical alliances forged during decades of shared struggle against colonial and imperialist forces.
At a welcome ceremony in Bình Dương, Colonel Nguyễn Đình Chuẩn, Political Commissar of the Bình Dương Provincial Military Command, emphasized the profound importance of the occasion. “The 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification is a national event of deep political and historical significance. It affirms the greatness of the 1975 victory. Hosting and supporting our international partners is both a responsibility and a great honour for Bình Dương” he said.
Voices of Solidarity from Laos and Cambodia
The visiting delegations expressed pride in their participation, viewing it as a testament to the enduring bonds between their nations and Vietnam. Colonel Sompheng Keosira, head of the Lao military delegation, spoke of the honor of joining the celebration. “We are honoured to take part in this meaningful celebration. I promise to give my best efforts to contribute to its success” he said.
Similarly, Bin Phoos, Commander of the Intervention Unit under the Gendarmerie Command of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, highlighted the rigorous preparations undertaken by his 119-member team. Having completed over ten days of training in Cambodia followed by five days in Vietnam, he affirmed their readiness. “We are proud to represent Cambodia in this historic parade” he said.
These statements reflect a shared sense of purpose among the participating nations, rooted in a history of mutual support during Vietnam’s long fight for independence. The presence of Lao and Cambodian forces, in particular, recalls the critical role played by the Indochinese solidarity during the wars against French colonialism and American intervention, a legacy that continues to shape regional relationships today.
Commemorating a Defining Moment in Vietnam’s History
The Liberation of the South on April 30, 1975, marked the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War, a conflict that claimed millions of lives and left an indelible mark on the nation’s psyche. The victory not only reunified North and South Vietnam under a single government but also symbolized the triumph of anti-imperialist movements across the Global South. Fifty years later, the anniversary serves as both a moment of reflection on past sacrifices and a celebration of Vietnam’s resilience and progress.
The military parade in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, will be a focal point of the commemorations, drawing thousands of spectators and extensive media coverage. Organized by the Ministry of National Defence, the event is expected to feature meticulously choreographed displays of military hardware, disciplined formations, and symbolic gestures of unity. Beyond its visual spectacle, the parade carries a deeper message: Vietnam’s determination to honor its history while embracing a future of international collaboration.
In Bình Dương Province, local authorities have gone to great lengths to support the foreign troops during their training. Authorized by the Provincial Party Committee and People’s Committee, the Bình Dương Provincial Military Command, alongside other departments, organized visits to encourage the visiting delegations. These gestures of hospitality underscore the importance Vietnam places on nurturing its relationships with Laos and Cambodia, ties that have been cemented through decades of shared history and mutual assistance.
Regional Implications of a Unified Display
The participation of foreign military units in Vietnam’s parade is more than a ceremonial gesture; it reflects a broader trend of increasing defense cooperation in Southeast Asia. Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia have long maintained close military ties, often conducting joint exercises and sharing intelligence to address common security challenges such as border disputes and transnational crime. The inclusion of China in the parade, however, introduces a more complex dynamic, given ongoing tensions over maritime claims in the South China Sea.
Some analysts interpret China’s involvement as a sign of Vietnam’s pragmatic approach to diplomacy, seeking to maintain constructive engagement with its powerful northern neighbor while asserting its sovereignty in disputed waters. Others caution that such displays of military unity could be perceived as a message to external powers, particularly the United States and its allies, who have ramped up their presence in the region through initiatives like the Quad and AUKUS.
Dr. Tran Minh Hoang, a Hanoi-based political scientist specializing in regional security, notes that Vietnam’s hosting of foreign troops for the parade could set a precedent for future collaborations. “This event is a clear statement of Vietnam’s confidence on the regional stage. By inviting foreign militaries to participate in a national celebration, Hanoi is signaling its openness to deeper defense partnerships while carefully navigating the geopolitical landscape” he said.
Yet, the parade’s implications extend beyond military and diplomatic spheres. For many Vietnamese citizens, the event is a source of national pride, a chance to reflect on the sacrifices of previous generations while celebrating the country’s emergence as a dynamic economy and influential regional player. Public sentiment, as gauged through social media platforms, reveals widespread excitement for the anniversary celebrations, with many expressing hope that the parade will showcase Vietnam’s unity and strength to the world.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Organizing an event of this scale, particularly with international participation, presents significant logistical and diplomatic challenges. Coordinating training schedules, ensuring cultural sensitivity, and managing public expectations require meticulous planning from Vietnamese authorities. Any misstep could risk undermining the message of solidarity the parade seeks to convey.
At the same time, the event offers a unique opportunity to strengthen Vietnam’s soft power in the region. By hosting a successful celebration, Vietnam can reinforce its image as a reliable partner committed to peace and cooperation. The parade may also boost domestic morale, reminding citizens of their shared history and the values of resilience and unity that have defined the nation’s journey since 1975.
Economically, the anniversary celebrations are expected to draw significant attention to Ho Chi Minh City, potentially boosting tourism and local businesses. Hotels, restaurants, and vendors are gearing up for an influx of visitors, both domestic and international, eager to witness the historic parade and participate in related cultural events. While exact figures are not yet available, local authorities anticipate a notable economic impact, with spending on accommodations and services likely to reach millions of Vietnamese Dong (exact USD conversions to be determined closer to the event date).
Looking to the Future
As Vietnam prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, the military parade stands as a symbol of both remembrance and renewal. It honors the sacrifices of those who fought for independence while pointing to a future defined by regional solidarity and shared aspirations. With the eyes of the world on Ho Chi Minh City this April 30, questions linger about how Vietnam will leverage this moment to shape its role in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. For now, the spirit of camaraderie among Vietnamese, Lao, Cambodian, and Chinese forces offers a hopeful glimpse of what such unity can achieve.
