German media impressed at Vietnam’s defence strength, economic progress

The nearly three-hour military parade, featuring over 16,000 troops, showcased the full spectrum of Vietnam’s defence capabilities across air, land, and sea, according to German media.

A contingent at the military parade marking Vietnam’s 80th National Day. (Photo: VNA)
A contingent at the military parade marking Vietnam’s 80th National Day. (Photo: VNA)

Berlin (VNA) – German media have expressed strong interest and high evaluation for the scale and significance of Vietnam’s 80th National Day celebration, featuring the largest-ever military parade in decades.

Leading German outlets such as DPA and Heidenheimer Zeitung covered the large-scale festivities marking Vietnam’s National Day, which drew hundreds of thousands of people from across the country to the capital, Hanoi.

Historic Ba Dinh Square - where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence 80 years ago - was awash in red, with national flags and the vibrant attire of attendees symbolising a powerful display of national unity.

The nearly three-hour military parade, featuring over 16,000 troops, showcased the full spectrum of Vietnam’s defence capabilities across air, land, and sea. Highlights included the display of modern military hardware such as Mi-171 helicopters, Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, locally produced UAVs; and the debut appearance of warships and submarines.

The event also welcomed military units and high-ranking officials from friendly nations including Laos, Cambodia, China, Russia, and Belarus, underlining Vietnam’s strong diplomatic relations.

German coverage further praised Vietnam’s remarkable economic transformation - from a war-ravaged, impoverished nation to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. In 2024, Vietnam recorded GDP growth of 7.09%, welcomed 17.5 million international visitors, and continued to attract significant foreign investment, including from numerous German enterprises, German outlets noted./.

VNA

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