When a large military parade in Ho Chi Minh City, thousands of Vietnamese waved red flags and sang patriotic songs.
Wednesday’s event commemorated the first act of the country’s unification on April 30, 1975, when communist-run North Vietnam occupied the U.S.-backed southern capital Saigon, which was renamed He Chi Minh City shortly after the war in honor of the founding leaders of the North.
A lotus-shaped float with a portrait of Ho Chi Minh was near the front of the parade, as dangerous fighters and helicopters flew around overhead.
Al Jazeera's Tony Cheng reported in the city that thousands of people stayed on the street overnight to get the best vantage point for the parade, "a day of the day, but also a day of celebration."
Tran van Truong, 75, said: “I am proud of my contribution to liberating the South.
"But go, I have no hatred for the people on the other end of the fight," Trunn told AFP. "We should celebrate the end of the war with our hands."
More than 300 soldiers from China, Laos and Cambodia also participated in the wonder for the first time.
According to state media, more than 300,000 Chinese soldiers were involved in the bloody conflict, providing vital air defense support and helping logistics and resupply.
“I think Hanoi sends a signal to China that they recognize China’s historical contribution,” said Zach Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington. “It’s another way they send a signal: ‘Don’t think our foreign policy is inclined toward Americans.’”
Tension in the American tie
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the United States.
In 2023, Vietnam upgraded its relationship with the United States to a comprehensive strategic partnership, which is the highest diplomatic status it gives any country, the same level of relations as China and Russia.
However, there is new pressure on relations with Washington, with the imposition of serious tariffs by Donald Trump and the cancellation of massive foreign aid, which has affected Vietnam's war remediation efforts.
Agents’ orange pollution and unexploded rural ordnance remain threatening lives. The future of these projects is now at risk due to extensive cuts by the Trump administration to U.S. Agency for International Development.
