On the afternoon of 2/7, the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense held a national military conference reviewing the first six months of 2025. Prime minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the need for the military to continue providing strategic counsel to the Party and the State. He stressed enhancing their ability to research, forecast international and regional situations, assess their impact on Vietnam, and formulate timely and appropriate countermeasures to avoid being caught off guard.

The Ministry of National Defense should focus on implementing policies to attract and develop talent within the military, with a vision extending to 2030 and 2050. It should also promote research, develop science and technology, foster innovation, and advance digital transformation. Furthermore, the ministry needs to propel the national defense industry towards modernization and self-reliance.

Prime minister Pham Minh Chinh at the National Military Conference on the afternoon of 2/7. Photo: Doan Bac/VGP

Prime minister Pham Minh Chinh at the National Military Conference on the afternoon of 2/7. Photo: Doan Bac/VGP

The government leader urged the military to focus on research and development of military theory, strategy, and tactics applicable to modern warfare. He underscored the principle of relying on the people, recognizing them as the foundation and the core, and strengthening national defense and "people's warfare."

In addition, the Ministry of National Defense must improve the integration of national defense and economic development. This involves fortifying military zones and regional defense at all levels, focusing on training military commanders, and ensuring the effective operation of military command posts at the communal level.

The military should focus on enhancing combat readiness, maintaining strict combat preparedness, and upholding security and order. It should continue to streamline its forces, making them leaner and stronger. Attention should be given to the well-being of officers and soldiers, especially those in remote areas, border regions, and islands. The development of social housing for military personnel should be prioritized to eliminate temporary and dilapidated housing nationwide.

Reviewing the achievements of the first six months, the prime minister acknowledged the military's unity and resilience in overcoming challenges and successfully fulfilling its military and defense duties. These efforts have contributed to maintaining political stability, social order, and safety. The military also continues to excel as a working force and a production force, achieving notable results in science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation.

The national defense industry has made significant breakthroughs, enhancing self-reliance and accelerating the development of a revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern military. "The entire military should continue to maintain unity and enhance determination, effort, and close coordination with ministries, agencies, and localities in carrying out assigned tasks," he said.

Earlier, General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defense, reported that the entire military conducted tactical exercises safely and effectively. Over 50,800 troops and militia members were mobilized, along with nearly 2,100 ships, boats, helicopters, and other vehicles for disaster prevention, response, search, and rescue operations.

The Ministry of National Defense has merged and consolidated Military Commands at the provincial level. They have also established the Border Guard Command and Regional Defense Commands to meet the demands of the new phase.

Son Ha