A Triumph of Vietnamese resolve and intelligence

At 5.30pm on May 7, 1954, the “Determined to Fight, Determined to Win” flag of the Vietnam People’s Army was raised on the top of the command bunker of French General De Castries, marking the end of 56 days and nights of steadfast, brave, and ingenious fighting by our soldiers and people. The Dien Bien Phu Campaign was a complete victory - a triumph that “resounded across the five continents and shook the world.”

After 56 days and nights of undaunted, brave, and creative fighting, Vietnamese troops and people completely shattered the Dien Bien Phu stronghold, destroying and capturing 16,200 enemy soldiers, shooting down 62 aircraft, seizing 64 vehicles, and capturing all of the enemy’s weapons, ammunition, military gear and supplies. (Photo: Archives/VNA)

French soldiers at Dien Bien Phu hoist the white flag of surrender, marking the end of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign. (Photo: Archives/VNA)

On the afternoon of May 7, 1954, the “Determined to Fight, Determined to Win” flag of the Vietnam People’s Army was flown over General De Castries’ bunker. The historic Dien Bien Phu Campaign ended in complete victory. (Photo: Archives/VNA)

On May 8, 1954, news of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign’s outcome reached Geneva. Early in the morning on May 8, 1954, the Indochina issue was officially brought to the negotiation table. In the photo: The opening session of the Geneva Conference on Indochina, May 8, 1954. (Photo: Archives/VNA)

General Vo Nguyen Giap delivers a speech at the victory celebration at the Dien Bien Phu frontlines. (Photo: Archives/VNA)