For years, the Vietnam People’s Army has inherited and promoted the tradition of a heroic nation and a spirit of pure internationalism. In light of the Party’s foreign policy and international integration, in recent years, the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) has actively advised the Party and the State, while also directly participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations (UNPO) and achieving notable results. These efforts have contributed to enhancing Vietnam’s position and prestige on the international stage. Through this important and meaningful activity, we convey a message of Vietnam as a nation that cherishes peace, humanity, compassion, and loyalty. We are a friend, a reliable partner, and an active, responsible member of the international community, always ready to cooperate in addressing global challenges. Hence, we can contribute to maintaining peace and promoting cooperation and development among nations while simultaneously creating new advantages and strengths to firmly defend the Fatherland from early and from afar through peaceful means.

During their mission deployment, Vietnam's "Blue Beret" peacekeepers have exemplified the noble qualities of the "Uncle Ho’s Soldiers". They have built and maintained strong relationships with the local people and authorities, earning their affection, trust, and respect through practical activities aimed at improving the lives of local residents. These activities include teaching, providing agricultural training, making school furniture, constructing houses and classrooms, drilling wells, donating generators, providing medical care, distributing face masks for disease prevention, and offering free medication. This new, humanitarian, and community-focused approach of the VPA has been acknowledged by the Mission Command and UN leaders as an innovative initiative. It is seen as a valuable model and likened to a "breath of fresh air" in UNPO.

An important aspect of Vietnam's participation in UNPO is that our Army consistently adheres to the principles and objectives of the UN Charter, international law, and Vietnam’s law. Accordingly, Vietnam only engages in peacekeeping activities when authorised by a UN Security Council resolution and in regions where peace agreements have been established between the involved parties. These activities are strictly for peace, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction purposes. Vietnam does not participate in coercive missions or combat operations, and the use of force is permitted solely for legitimate self-defence when no other options are available. All decisions regarding participation must ensure the principles of independence, autonomy, alignment with national interests, and consideration of Vietnam's conditions and capabilities. Respect for other nations’ independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and non-interference in their internal affairs, are also paramount. Furthermore, the guiding principle is that in any position, circumstance, or field, Vietnam's peacekeeping forces must remain responsible, creative, and proactive in overcoming difficulties to successfully fulfil their assigned tasks. Through these efforts, we have earned the trust, approval, and support of the UN and the international community.

Sr. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien congratulates VPA officers on their deployment to UN peacekeeping forces in April 2024 (Photo: qdnd.vn)

In the coming period, in response to the growing demands of international integration and defence diplomacy, Vietnam will continue to maintain its forces in mission areas and is committed to deeper participation in UNPO. This will be achieved by increasing both the quantity and quality of personnel and equipment in accordance with the nation's requirements, capabilities, and conditions. Additionally, the proportion of female soldiers in these forces will be increased. To further enhance the effectiveness of this noble and critical mission, agencies and units must thoroughly grasp and effectively implement the key measures as follows:

First, participation in UNPO must adhere to the Party's policies, the Constitution, and the laws of Vietnam. It must be conducted under the Party and the State’s strict, unified leadership and direction. Agencies and units should thoroughly grasp and strictly implement the Party's and the State's policies on foreign relations and international integration. They must effectively carry out Conclusion No. 53-KL/TW, dated 28 April 2023, of the Politburo and Resolution No. 2662-NQ/QUTW, dated 26 February 2024, of the Central Military Commission on international integration and defence diplomacy until 2030 and beyond. In the new situation, a critical political task for the Army is to grasp the objectives, requirements, direction, and specific roadmap outlined in the "Comprehensive plan for the Army's participation in UNPO for the 2014-2020 period and beyond" for effective implementation. The form, scale, missions, and regions for participation in UNPO must be carefully chosen to align with the Party's viewpoints, national interests, the Constitution, and Vietnam’s law. They must also comply with the basic principles of the UN Charter and international law. At the same time, participation should reflect Vietnam’s proactive, cautious, and responsible approach, focusing on areas where our country has experience and strengths, particularly in nations or regions with established UN peace agreements and decisions, with broad support from the international community. Vietnam will actively engage in activities supporting post-conflict reconstruction and humanitarian efforts for peacebuilding while refraining from involvement in coercive missions or combat operations. Additionally, it is essential to maintain independent command of the VPA in peacekeeping missions under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the UN Peacekeeping Agency regarding mission areas.

Second, external communication, dissemination, and education efforts to raise awareness and responsibility among the entire Party, the people, and army officers and soldiers about the significance and importance of this noble mission should be intensified. Leaders and commanders of agencies and units must regularly emphasise, educate, and raise awareness among officers and soldiers about the purpose, meaning, and importance of UNPO. They must ensure a thorough understanding of the Party's policy on international integration and defence diplomacy, as well as Vietnam's consistent goals, viewpoints, and positions in both bilateral and multilateral international relations. It is essential to provide in-depth education for forces directly involved in UNPO, enabling them to differentiate between UN peacekeeping forces and multinational coalitions. These forces must be equipped with theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively communicate to the local population the purpose of the "Blue Beret" peacekeepers, which aligns with the UN Charter and international law, thus contributing to regional and global peace. Moreover, emphasis should be placed on building political bravery, responsibility, impartiality, and neutrality among the officers and soldiers during mission execution, in line with the provisions and principles of the UN Charter. Additionally, they must recognise the harsh, dangerous, and sometimes high-risk nature of operating in regions prone to internal conflicts between factions or ethnic groups of the host nation. This understanding will foster determination to overcome hardships and remain ready to sacrifice to fulfil the mission. During the execution of this task, a flexible approach to education and training is essential. There should be a strong combination of basic education programmes with specialised training tailored to specific courses or mission terms. Education should also be integrated with task assignments, fostering self-awareness, education, and learning from the practical experience of peacekeeping activities within their respective mission areas, with an emphasis on self-education.

Third, close coordination between the Army, the Public Security, and central ministries and agencies in UNPO should be promoted. Participation in UNPO reflects a major policy of the Party and the State. It is a national responsibility, with the VPA and the People's Public Security serving as the core forces. To facilitate effective coordination, the Army must take the initiative to maintain regular and close cooperation with the Public Security, central ministries, and agencies based on the mandate given by the Party and the State. In the near future, to contribute effectively to the UNPO, it is necessary to continue enhancing the role of the Interdisciplinary Working Group and strengthening the collaboration between the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, and other central ministries and agencies. This will help refine the legal framework for Vietnam's participation in UNPO. A priority is the prompt development and enactment of a Law on Participation in UNPO to meet practical requirements and address legal shortcomings and inconsistencies. This will ensure legality, coherence, and feasibility, creating a solid legal corridor to facilitate implementation. Further research and advisory efforts for the Party and Government should focus on gradually expanding Vietnam's participation in terms of forces, regions, and roles, particularly in command and management positions at UN headquarters and peacekeeping missions where Vietnam has strengths. Additionally, the proportion of female military personnel should be increased. The deployment of civilian forces from central ministries and agencies to participate in these operations should also be considered, ensuring alignment with Vietnam's conditions and capabilities.

Fourth, thorough preparation, from organising forces to training and logistical support, should be ensured per UN requirements and in line with Vietnam’s conditions. This fundamental factor plays a crucial role in the success of UN peacekeeping missions. Therefore, in addition to ensuring sufficient personnel, it is essential to focus on quality, particularly in terms of comprehensive skills and knowledge, such as military, political, logistical, technical, language proficiency, and physical fitness. Apart from human resources, equipment must be adequately prepared to meet the UN requirements. This includes studying and thoroughly grasping the functions, tasks, organisation, structure, weapons, and equipment of the peacekeeping forces to provide proper recommendations for deploying a sufficient number of troops and necessary equipment. Training is a critical aspect and must include both domestic efforts and international partnerships with countries experienced in peacekeeping. Training should follow the principle of "basic, practical, substantial, and comprehensive", with emphasising practical exercises and integrated simulations. Training should focus on language skills, specialised knowledge in peacekeeping, survival skills, international law, humanitarian law, cultural understanding of the host country, and specific UN regulations and mission objectives. Additionally, special attention should be given to providing specialised training in fields such as military medicine and engineering to ensure that all personnel participating in peacekeeping missions are well-equipped with the necessary expertise, enabling them to adapt quickly to the working environment in various missions.

Fifth, ideological work with organisational and policy efforts should be closely integrated, while regular reviews and assessments should be conducted to draw lessons from experience. UN peacekeeping missions are highly specialised, requiring officers and soldiers to work far from home, often in complex, harsh, and dangerous environments. Therefore, functional departments of the Ministry of National Defence should study and propose policies that adequately address both the material and spiritual well-being of personnel, ensuring their motivation and ability to fulfil assigned tasks. To achieve this objective, the Ministry of National Defence must continue coordinating closely with the Ministry of Public Security and other functional agencies to review and update policies and support mechanisms for those involved in peacekeeping missions. An urgent task is to complete the report to the Government on the revision and adjustment of Decree No. 162/2016/NĐ-CP, issued on 14 December 2016, which outlines specific policies and guarantees for individuals and organisations participating in UNPO. This revision will address challenges and ensure that policies adapt to the evolving nature and responsibilities of peacekeeping forces. Furthermore, it is crucial to review and assess peacekeeping activities regularly by identifying both the reasons for success and areas for improvement and promptly rewarding individuals and teams with outstanding achievements. This process will help to draw practical lessons, allowing officers to accumulate knowledge, hone independent problem-solving skills, and enhance their ability to coordinate effectively within the framework of international conduct. Ultimately, these efforts will improve the quality and effectiveness of Vietnam’s contributions in a multinational environment, meeting the high expectations set by the Party, State, and Army.

Participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations is a great honour and a noble responsibility for the VPA. Thoroughly grasping and implementing the aforementioned measures is a concrete manifestation of the Party's guidelines, as well as the policies and laws of the State on proactive international integration and defence diplomacy. Consequently, Vietnam can effectively employ the "soft integration" method to strengthen the nation's "soft power", creating a comprehensive strength that contributes to firmly safeguarding the country early and from afar through peaceful means.

Senior Lieutenant General, Associate Professor, Doctor HOANG XUAN CHIEN, Member of the Party Central Committee, Member of the Central Military Commission, Deputy Minister of National Defence