Iron Shield of the Country’s Frontier

Located at Vietnam’s farthest northwest, Dien Bien shares a 455 km border with Laos and China. In this region, the provincial Border Guard serves as a steadfast iron shield, safeguarding each border marker and village while providing strong support to local communities.

Pa Thom Border Guard Station and Dien Bien Border Guard Command conduct joint patrols with Phongsaly Provincial Military Command, Laos in 2025

Resilience and community at the border

Colonel Phan Van Hoa, Commander of the Dien Bien Border Guard, explained that the province includes 15 border communes with rugged terrain, limited transportation, and challenging living conditions. This area is also prone to complex issues such as illegal migration, unlawful religious propaganda, smuggling, arms trafficking, and cross-border drug crimes. The Vietnam-Laos border in Dien Bien spans over 414 km and is a hotspot for international drug trafficking from the Golden Triangle.

Despite these challenges, the provincial Border Guard remains resolute, balancing border management with community engagement. Over the past five years, the force has conducted more than 2,600 solo patrols and 162 joint patrols with Laos and China, tightening border security and fostering international friendship to preempt threats.

Efforts to combat cross-border drug trafficking and illegal immigration have achieved significant results: 52 cases involving 144 individuals have been dismantled, and 30 cases involving 41 individuals were addressed based on public tips. Additionally, 148 crime reporting boxes across border communes have received over 1,300 tips, becoming vital tools for timely intervention.

Colonel Phan Van Hoa emphasized, "Fighting cross-border drug crime is a long-term battle requiring resilience, intelligence, and sacrifice. But with public unity, all schemes will be thwarted."

Embracing the digital era, the Dien Bien Border Guard has implemented border surveillance cameras and automated checkpoints connected to a central command center. These initiatives enhance early warning, rapid detection, and precise response, supporting the goal of a regular, elite, and modern force.

Integrating national defense with border development

Beyond border defense, the Dien Bien Border Guard is closely integrated with local communities through the "Three Adheres, Four Together" approach. Programs like "Supporting Children to School - Border Guard's Adopted Children," "Warm Spring Border Guard," and "Military Doctors in Green Uniforms" have improved education, healthcare, and living standards.

To date, the force has supported 221 students, including 19 from Laos, strengthening international solidarity. Activities such as road construction, canal repairs, house building, and distributing thousands of gifts have made the Border Guard a reliable partner in poverty reduction and rural development.

Over the past five years, the force has collaborated on constructing dozens of solidarity houses, suspension bridges, classrooms, and village roads. These modest yet meaningful projects illuminate hope and affirm the Border Guard's commitment to the people at the nation’s edge.

Colonel Phan Van Hoa said that moving forward, the Dien Bien Border Guard will continue to align its mission of protecting territorial sovereignty with socio-economic development, fostering a peaceful, friendly, cooperative, and sustainable border region, in line with the Party's Resolution on national defense strategy in the new context.

By Ha Thanh, Vietnam Business Forum