Vietnamese Deputy Chief of Mission in Seoul Nguyen Thi Thai Binh (fourth from left) and Vietnamese Defense Attache in Seoul Col. Le Hiep Lam (third from left) pose for a photo with defense attaches of ASEAN countries at an event marking the Vietnam People‘s Army's founding at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Thursday. (Embassy of Vietnam in Seoul)
Vietnamese Deputy Chief of Mission in Seoul Nguyen Thi Thai Binh (fourth from left) and Vietnamese Defense Attache in Seoul Col. Le Hiep Lam (third from left) pose for a photo with defense attaches of ASEAN countries at an event marking the Vietnam People‘s Army's founding at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Thursday. (Embassy of Vietnam in Seoul)

Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to its “Four No's” defense policy Thursday during a commemoration event in Seoul marking the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army.

The day commemorates the establishment of the Vietnam People’s Army in 1944 by the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, Col. Le Hiep Lam, Vietnam’s defense attache in South Korea, emphasized Vietnam’s national defense philosophy rooted in “all-people defense” and peaceful principles.

“We are proactive and determined to prevent the risk of war,” said Lam, reaffirming Vietnam‘s adherence to its “four no’s” defense policy: no participation in military alliances, no alignment against any country, no foreign military bases or use of Vietnamese territory for opposition, and no use or threat of force in international relations.

“This includes defense cooperation with South Korea,” underlined Lam.

Vietnamese  Defense Attache in Seoul Col. Le Hiep Lam speaks at an event the Vietnam People‘s Army's founding at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Thursday. (Embassy of Vietnam in Seoul)
Vietnamese Defense Attache in Seoul Col. Le Hiep Lam speaks at an event the Vietnam People‘s Army's founding at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Thursday. (Embassy of Vietnam in Seoul)

The policy outlines Vietnam‘s commitment to neutrality and peace by avoiding alliances, alignments, foreign bases, and the use of threats or force.

“Currently, Vietnam-South Korea defense cooperation not only strengthens the comprehensive relationship between the two countries but also serves as a pillar of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

The celebration coincided with Vietnam’s 35th National Defense Day, showcasing the country’s broader contributions to global peace and stability.

“To date, the Vietnam People’s Army has established defense cooperation with over 100 countries. We have opened Defense Attache or Military Attache offices in 35 countries and the United Nations, while 42 countries have established Defense Attache and Military Attache offices in Vietnam,” Lam noted.

“Vietnam-South Korea defense cooperation will continue to develop comprehensively and achieve even greater success,” he added.

Vietnamese Deputy Chief of Mission in Seoul Nguyen Thi Thai Binh delivers remarks at an event marking Vietnam People‘s Army's founding at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Thursday. (Embassy of Vietnam in Seoul)
Vietnamese Deputy Chief of Mission in Seoul Nguyen Thi Thai Binh delivers remarks at an event marking Vietnam People‘s Army's founding at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Thursday. (Embassy of Vietnam in Seoul)

In her remarks, Vietnam’s Deputy Chief of Mission Nguyen remembered the Vietnam People’s Army’s legacy of safeguarding the nation.

“In this new phase of development, the Vietnam People’s Army continues to be the core force in defending the nation’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Binh said.

“The Vietnam People’s Army actively participates in United Nations peacekeeping missions, earning high regard from international friends, mission commanders, and UN leaders,” she said, thanking Korea and global partners for supporting Vietnam’s development and defense efforts.

Meanwhile, the event also featured videos, images and books showcasing the history and achievements of the Vietnam People’s Army.