Vietnam is marking the 70th anniversary of its victory over French forces in the battle of Dien Bien Phu. It's seen as a pivotal moment in ending French colonial rule in what was then Indo-China. The US supported France in a conflict that ultimately led to the Vietnam war.

Hanoi

Vietnam is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, a significant event that marked the end of French colonial rule in what was then known as Indo-China. This battle is remembered as a critical turning point that led to the withdrawal of French forces from the region.

The Battle of Dien Bien Phu, which lasted for eight weeks in a remote border area of northern Vietnam, saw a modern French military force defeated by a guerrilla army, despite receiving support from the United States. The outcome of this conflict had far-reaching implications, influencing the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia and setting the stage for the Vietnam War that followed two decades later.

The celebrations in Vietnam not only honor the veterans of the battle, many of whom are now in their 90s, but also serve as a moment of national unity. The presence of some of the last surviving members of the French garrison highlights the complex relationships and the enduring impacts of the battle. Veterans from both sides reflect on their experiences, with French survivors speaking to the strength and resilience derived from their time in Vietnam.

The 70th anniversary of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu comes at a challenging time for Vietnam, as the country faces internal issues, including significant corruption scandals leading to the resignations of key political figures. However, the government is using this occasion to foster a sense of national pride and unity among its citizens.



Vietnam marks 70th anniversary of battle of Dien Bien Phu

Waged over eight weeks in a remote border area of northern Vietnam, the Battle of Dien Bien Phu would have global repercussions. A modern French force defeated by a guerrilla army despite support from the United States. The battle in Indochina is critical and I expect the French to win. It led to the U.S. filling the void left by the defeated French but they couldn't stop the North's ultimate victory in the Vietnam War 20 years later. This is a mammoth display of national unity because fighting and defeating the foreigners is part of the legitimacy of the regime. Given pride of place at the celebrations, Vietnamese veterans of the battle now well into their 90s. At the time we were used to hard living. We didn't have enough to eat but we endured it, no one complained. And joining them some of the last surviving members of the French garrison. It's a country in which I suffered enormously but today I have drawn an unimaginable strength from it, beyond the inexplicable. This anniversary comes as Vietnam is still reeling from corruption scandals that have forced the recent resignations of senior political figures. For the government in Hanoi it's a welcome chance to display national pride and unity. Rob McBride, Al Jazeera.

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