Superlative military show: Vietnam stages magnificent parade for the 80th national holiday

On the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s independence, huge crowds gathered in the capital Hanoi to be part of the largest military parade for decades. The centrally located town of Ba-Dinh-Platz, where the then President Ho Chi Minh called on to independence on September 2, 1945, formed the symbolic center of the celebrations.

Already in the early hours of the morning, tanks, rockets, amphibian vehicles and other modern war equipment in the convoy rolled past the ranks. Around 16,000 soldiers took part in the parade of several hours. The program also included flight demonstrations with military helicopters and fighter jets as well as events at sea with warships and submarines. The famous red national flag with a yellow star was omnipresent.

Why were no European guests there?

Smaller contingents and senior politicians of friendly countries – Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia and Belarus – were also included in the imposing parade. Her participation is considered a visible sign of friendship and foreign policy orientation in Vietnam, reported local media. Several European countries had rejected invitations in advance: Because of the war in Ukraine, they did not want to be seen at a military show with Russian troops.

Vietnam independently declared himself on September 2, 1945 by the French colonial rule. At that time, Ho Chi Minh called out the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The country only achieved the final independence after the Indochina War in 1954.

From the poor country to the economic boom region

From one of the poorest countries in the world, the Southeast Asian country has developed into one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Today, among other things, the country produces electronic items, textiles and agricultural products such as coffee and rice. Many German companies also have Vietnam manufactured.

On Wednesday, a huge military parade is also planned in China on the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan in the Second World War. Among other things, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s ruler Kim Jong Un.