Vietnam War veterans, government officials, and diplomats assembled in Dien Bien Phu province to honor the 70th anniversary of the nation’s triumph over French colonial forces.
The intense 56-day conflict in the distant northern valley concluded on May 7, 1954, leading to the demise of French colonial authority.
The iconic battle of Dien Bien Phu is hailed as one of the most significant engagements of the twentieth century. The French defeat paved the way for the signing of the Geneva Accords on July 21, 1954.
Despite relentless rain, tens of thousands of individuals filled Dien Bien Phu’s primary stadium to witness military parades, variety shows, and inspiring speeches broadcasted on national television.
Accounts indicate that artillery was deployed across the valley during the conflict, accompanied by hand-to-hand combat. The area around Dien Bien Phu and its adjacent hills bore witness to the remnants of troops from both factions.
Meanwhile, Sebastien Lecornu, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, participated in the ceremony held in Dien Bien Phu.
Carl Thayer, a prominent expert in Vietnam’s security, highlighted a valuable lesson from the Dien Bien Phu campaign: “Vietnam must meticulously define its national interests and strategically pursue them.”
Thayer further elaborated, “Vietnam has encapsulated this strategy in what is known as bamboo diplomacy, advocating for steadfastness on fundamental principles while remaining adaptable in methods to achieve its strategic goals.”for more news visit lagosstate.com
