The endless stretches of green along Vietnam’s border are made even more vibrant by the green uniforms of the border guards—soldiers who silently dedicate their youth and strength to guarding every inch of the nation’s frontier.

Sleepless nights in the border forests

Spanning over 265 kilometers of border, Lai Chau province serves as a critical link in Vietnam’s northwestern frontier defense. With 101 border markers that have never been breached, the province remains peaceful under the constant vigilance of the border forces.

Major Ly Van Huong from Pa U Border Guard Station, Muong Te District, is a particularly special case. A member of the Giay ethnic minority, he serves in his hometown, the very land where he was born.

For over 30 years, Major Huong has been stationed at remote and difficult-to-access border posts across Lai Chau. Reflecting on his most unforgettable experience, he recalls a perilous night patrol that led him and his team into foreign territory.

“We lost our way across the border in the darkness. Our flashlights ran out of power, leaving us unable to see each other. Worse still, we had run out of food and water. None of us could sleep—we stayed awake, waiting for daylight to find our bearings and navigate back,” he recounts.

According to Major Huong, the border markers under Pa U’s jurisdiction are in some of the most treacherous locations. Each patrol mission takes four days of arduous travel through steep cliffs and deep valleys.

During these patrols, the soldiers endure harsh conditions, climbing thousands of meters above sea level to reach their posts. The bitter cold in the wilderness, known as "sacred forests, poisonous waters", is unrelenting.

“In winter, the air is dry and foggy. With no trails or open paths, we cut through dense vegetation, marking trees to prevent getting lost. By March and April, the changing seasons bring hailstorms, gales, and lightning, making our patrols even more hazardous. The charred remains of trees near border markers stand as grim reminders of each lightning strike,” Huong shares.

Guardians of the sacred border

Pa U is one of 13 border guard stations in Lai Chau province, tasked with protecting 265 kilometers of border and 101 markers. The province’s border force operates as unwavering sentinels, dedicating their youth and personal sacrifices to preserve national sovereignty and assist local communities.

Colonel Le Cong Thanh, Political Commissar of the Lai Chau Border Guard Command, highlights that since the completion of border demarcation efforts, the province has maintained stability and effective border management under the three legal agreements on the Vietnam-China land border.

According to Colonel Thanh, border guards not only defend the frontier but also actively support local communities, aiding in economic development, poverty alleviation, and strengthening national defense.

They help preserve cultural traditions, ensure social security, and enhance public welfare in border areas, creating a strong and self-sufficient frontier region.

Building a border of peace and cooperation

Vietnam’s border demarcation with China was achieved through careful diplomacy and goodwill, fostering peace and cooperation along the frontier. Lai Chau’s border diplomacy has played a crucial role in establishing a stable and prosperous border region.

Border guards engage in community outreach programs, implementing the "Three Close, Four Together" policy - meaning they live close to, work alongside, and assist the people, while also bringing healthcare, education, and disaster relief to remote villages.

Additionally, they educate local communities on crime prevention, combat smuggling and illegal immigration, and prevent disease outbreaks in border areas.

The border guards' deep connection with the people

Dao Van Khanh, Chairman of Muong Te District People’s Committee, emphasizes the indispensable role of border guards in maintaining security and national sovereignty.

“We highly value the border force’s contribution to border security, law enforcement, and economic development. They are also instrumental in local governance and encouraging agricultural reforms, promoting sustainable forest management to create a stable border economy,” he says.

Since 2004, Lai Chau’s border guards have mobilized thousands of soldiers to assist local residents in relocating from disaster-prone areas, rebuilding homes, and recovering from natural calamities. Their efforts include providing thousands of labor days, donating food and essential supplies worth millions of dollars, and constructing communal housing and infrastructure.

The border force also runs educational programs, adopting children in need through initiatives like "Adopted Child of the Border Station" and "Step Up to School", ensuring better futures for underprivileged children in border communities.

Over the past 20 years, the Lai Chau Border Guard Force has been recognized for its outstanding contributions, earning:

The Hero of the People’s Armed Forces title
The Military Exploit Order and Military Merit Order
The World Peace Medal

These honors reflect decades of dedication, resilience, and unwavering service, proving that the sacrifices of the border guards remain the foundation of a peaceful and secure frontier.

Thu Trang