Cần Thơ, December 9, 2025 – The Europe Today: Party General Secretary and Secretary of the Central Military Commission Tô Lâm has underscored the need for Military Zone 9 to further strengthen its all-people defence posture, tightly linked with the people’s security network, in order to proactively counter hostile sabotage and safeguard national sovereignty, peace and stability.
He delivered the message on December 8 at a grand ceremony in Cần Thơ City celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Traditional Day of Military Zone 9 (December 10, 1945–2025).
The Party leader commended Military Zone 9 for upholding the proud traditions and noble qualities of the heroic Việt Nam People’s Army throughout eight decades of building, fighting, winning and growing. He stressed that the tasks of national defence and army building now demand “higher and more comprehensive standards,” particularly for a strategic unit charged with defending the critical southwestern region.
Strategic Role of Military Zone 9
Military Zone 9 is a major command of the Việt Nam People’s Army responsible for safeguarding the Mekong Delta, including Cần Thơ City and the provinces of Hậu Giang, Vĩnh Long, Đồng Tháp, Kiên Giang, Cà Mau, Bạc Liêu, Tiền Giang and Trà Vinh.
To fulfil its responsibilities as an operational–strategic unit of the Ministry of National Defence, General Secretary Tô Lâm urged the zone to thoroughly grasp President Hồ Chí Minh’s military philosophy and the Party’s defence guidelines—especially the Strategy for Safeguarding the Fatherland in the new situation and the breakthroughs outlined in the 11th Party Congress of Military Zone 9 and the 12th Party Congress of the Army.
He called on the command to enhance overall quality and combat strength, strengthen solidarity with local Party committees and authorities, accurately forecast strategic developments, and provide high-quality advisory input to the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence.
Building a Modern, Elite Force
Highlighting the strategic importance of modernisation, the Party chief urged Military Zone 9 to build armed forces that are “revolutionary, regular, elite and modern,” with strong political foundations. He emphasised the need to renew combat training, foster bravery and technical-tactical proficiency, and master new-generation weapons and equipment to ensure readiness to win in all operational scenarios.
He also stressed the importance of enhancing scientific and technological capacity, ensuring practical, scenario-based training to prepare troops for modern and multi-dimensional warfare.
Strengthening Ties With the People
General Secretary Tô Lâm underlined the need for effective mass mobilisation, reinforcing the bond between the military and the people, and linking defence and security consolidation with socio-economic development. He also called for the continued implementation of defence-economic projects, strong policy work, and active engagement in social welfare initiatives.
Decades of Service and Sacrifice
Delivering the commemorative address, Lieutenant General Nguyễn Xuân Dắt, Commander of Military Zone 9, highlighted the zone’s 80-year journey marked by resilience, sacrifice and victory. He recalled that since the merger with Military Zone 8 in 1976, the region’s armed forces and the Mekong Delta people had rebuilt war-torn localities, defended every inch of sacred land, and triumphed in the war to safeguard the southwestern border. Their motto, “helping friends is helping ourselves,” he said, demonstrated Việt Nam’s loyal and humanitarian internationalism.
Lieutenant General Dắt also noted the zone’s active role in disaster response, epidemic control, search and rescue operations, social support activities, and policy work. He highlighted the zone’s effective defence diplomacy with Cambodia and coordination with ASEAN partners to maintain regional stability and counter attempts to disrupt relations.
Awarding of National Honour
Marking the milestone, General Secretary Tô Lâm conferred the prestigious title of “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces” on the armed forces of Military Zone 9, acknowledging their significant contributions to the Party, the State and the people over eight decades.
The anniversary, he said, serves as both a historic milestone and a source of motivation for Military Zone 9 to continue advancing, achieving new victories and enriching the heroic traditions of the Việt Nam People’s Army.
