Vietnam pursues a “Three Nos” policy and purchases weapons only for self-defense purposes, said Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, who is Deputy Minister of Defense and a member of the Party Central Committee.

>> Unite to protect and develop country

He made the statement in a recent interview with Tuoi Tre about issues related to national defense, on the occasion of the 38th anniversary of Liberation Day on April 30.

Q: The aspiration for peace is clearly shown in our defense policy that is based on the love for peace and self-defense. However, there are many comments on some forums about Vietnam purchasing aircraft and submarines. What do you think about that? A: It is a common thing that a country buys weapons for the purpose of self-defense in accordance with its economic potential, and Vietnam is not an exception. Seen from the military angle, our purchase of weapons has two features: firstly, we buy weapons on a scale that is appropriate for the country’s economic development, and secondly, such weapons are merely enough to defend our country.

Step by step, we will modernize our army and such modernization will in turn help boost the country’s economic development. For example, when defense technologies are developed, the military will share its resources with other sectors.

In order to have sustainable peace, we must have the ability to safeguard our fatherland. We must ensure our ability to defend ourselves and maintain territorial integrity in any circumstances and at any time, not only when we obtain advanced weapons. The purchase of weapons and the modernization of the army serve the purpose of minimizing the cost we have to pay when we need to act to safeguard our country.

Q: As reported by the media, Vietnam has purchased submarines, aircraft and military equipment and techniques with the assistance of Russia. Is such a situation only due to the fact that Russia is a reputable weapon exporter or because of anything else?       A: Historically, we have been familiar to weapons previously manufactured by the Soviet Union and now by the Federation of Russia. Selecting familiar weapons for use is better than selecting other ones. Today, purchasing weapons is a common thing and we can purchase them from any country, and many countries are ready to sell weapons to us.

After all, mutual confidence between the seller and the buyer is important in weapon deals. Such confidence has existed between Vietnam and Russia, and there is no interest conflict between Russia and Vietnam in their development strategies. Moreover, Russia is a reliable strategic partner of Vietnam.

Based on such a confidence, Vietnam has received Russia’s assistance in purchasing weapons and Russia believes that Vietnam will not use such weapons for any purposes against Russia’s interests.   An important issue to mention is that Russian weapons are mainly for defense purposes and are very durable. As for a country whose economy is like Vietnam’s, “comfort is better than pride” is a popular policy. In addition, the prices of Russian weapons are acceptable to Vietnam.

“THREE NOS” OF VIETNAM'S DEFENSE

Q: According to observers, Vietnam’s external defense activities have become busier now than previously. In such a context, are there any countries that have invited Vietnam to become military allies or expressed their wish to build military bases in Vietnam?      

A: To date, there are no countries that have invited Vietnam to become military allies or expressed their wish to build military bases in Vietnam. I think that such a situation has resulted from our consistent and strong declaration: Vietnam does not make any military allies nor permit foreign countries to set up military bases in Vietnam or use Vietnam’s territories in acting against other countries; it does not take sides with one country against another. This is the “three Nos” defense policy of Vietnam. As we have announced such a policy, I believe that no countries will invite Vietnam to become military allies or express their wish to build military bases in Vietnam.

Q: What is Vietnam’s point of view when it takes part in military exercises with other countries? A: In current defense cooperation there are exercises such as anti-terrorist rehearsals,  marine security protection drills, and search and rescue maneuvers. They are peaceful, human and constructive exercises and we have taken part in such activities, for example joint patrols at sea with a number of neighboring countries. We do not join any military exercises that serve the purpose of attacking or threatening any countries.

Q: Is boosting external defense relations in the past few years aimed at seeking new partners in the field?       External relations in defense firstly contribute to promoting the Party and State’s overall external relations. One of the features of external defense ties is that such ties are based on mutual reliance between countries. It is such reliance in defense cooperation that helps boost cooperation in different fields between countries. Another feature is that external defense ties help resolve risks of military conflict. Therefore, we have set up and expanded external defense relations as a measure to prevent such risks and conflicts. External defense relations also serve the modernization of our army and improvement of soldiers’ knowledge and skills. However, expansion of external defense relations requires political stability and a defense system that is strong enough to safeguard the country.

TWO PRINCIPLES FOR COC NEGOTIATIONS Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh also mentioned two principles for joining the United Nations’ Peace-Keeping Force and two other principles for negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the Ease Sea (COC).

Q: Recently, there was information released saying that Vietnam will join the United Nations’ Peace-Keeping Force. Could you please clarify this? A:  To date, our preparations have been completed and if nothing changes, Vietnam will join the United Nations’ Peace-Keeping Force at the soonest possible time. Our purpose in joining the force is to implement Vietnam’s policy to be a responsible member of the international community. Of the principles for joining the Force, there are two major ones. Firstly, we only take part in activities that really serve the purpose of peace-keeping under the UN’s request. We do not join other activities that do not serve that purpose. For example, our force will not operate in areas where wars or conflicts are taking place. We only take part in reconstruction after armed conflicts or in overcoming the consequences of war. Secondly, where and when we will join the Force, and what we will do and at which levels will be determined by ourselves. This is also the principle set out by the United Nations.

Q: In the latest meeting in early April in Beijing, both ASEAN and China recognized that active preparations should be made to start official negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). What do you think about this? A: This is good sign in the relationship between ASEAN and China. We positively respond to the new move and constructive attitudes of related parties. However, the important issues here are what the contents of that COC are and whether the parties involved will comply with them or not. Those who really want to see peace and stability in the East Sea expect that such a COC will contain binding articles that require all the related parties to carry out their commitments. There is still much work ahead to do, but I think that there are two important principles to be followed, which are international laws and equality between countries. While conducting negotiations on the COC, related parties should continue strictly complying with the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, avoiding a situation in which some countries do not carry out what they have undertaken or do things not in accordance with their commitments.