Overview

• The predawn parade in Hanoi fielded about 40,000 military and civilian participants with tanks, drones, radar systems, missiles, helicopters and aircraft.
• Communist Party chief To Lam opened the celebrations with a message of resilience and progress, avoiding references to former adversaries.
• Guests included China's Zhao Leji, Cambodia's Hun Sen and Cuba's Miguel Diaz-Canel, with marching contingents from China, Laos, Cambodia and about 30 Russian soldiers.
• Regional outlets reported a first naval parade and force deployments at the Cam Ranh base, signaling growing maritime focus in disputed waters.
• Despite deepened ties and €8.5 billion in 2024 trade, France ranked as Vietnam's 24th partner as Hanoi pursues 'bamboo' diplomacy and posts rapid growth near 7%.