Điện Biên has a border stretching more than 455 kilometers, adjacent to both Laos and China. With this strategic position, the province is not only a firm “frontier bulwark” of the nation but also a testing ground for organizational capacity, the will to protect sovereignty, and the mobilization of people’s strength in defending the Fatherland’s frontiers.

The province focuses on building an all-people national defense linked with the people’s security posture and the all-people border defense posture. The “people’s will” is considered the core element. Provincial border guards conduct closed patrols along the entire borderline and effectively manage all markers and boundary lines. Hundreds of drug-related cases have been dismantled, including many large-scale ones. Border posts in Điện Biên serve not only as combat units but also as “living milestones” connected to ethnic minority communities. Encouraging local people to participate in self-management of border markers and report crimes has proven highly effective.

The armed forces consistently complete 100% of training and defense drills at all levels. Beyond combat roles, soldiers play a key part in helping people reduce poverty, build new rural areas, eliminate outdated customs, and improve education. In disaster prevention, rescue, and relief operations, they are always the first to arrive and the last to leave.

National security in the province remains firmly maintained. Functional forces stay proactive, closely monitoring both domestic and cross-border situations, detecting and handling potential risks early and from a distance, preventing the emergence of “hot spots.” Both traditional and non-traditional security threats are kept under control, and major events in the province are safeguarded with absolute safety. The movement “All People Protect National Security” has been promoted, with border residents becoming the “eyes and ears” of the authorities and the main actors in maintaining grassroots order. Over the past five years, the Government’s Project 06 has been effectively implemented, modernizing population management and enhancing local governance.

Alongside the mission of protecting sovereignty, Điện Biên has also been advancing socio-economic development in border areas. With more than 82% of its population being ethnic minorities, a high poverty rate, fragmented terrain, and harsh weather, the province faces numerous challenges. However, with support from the central government and local efforts, Điện Biên has mobilized over VND 2,000 billion from the National Target Program on Sustainable Poverty Reduction. Effective economic models have helped increase incomes, change outdated farming practices, and stabilize people’s lives.

In the face of natural disasters, floods, and landslides, the province has proactively relocated residents from dangerous areas. Emergency aid has been provided promptly to ensure no one in border areas is left behind. Infrastructure is gradually being developed, with electricity, water, healthcare, and education in remote areas steadily improved, enhancing people’s quality of life and linking economic development with defense and security.

On the diplomatic front, Điện Biên actively strengthens cooperation with northern Lao provinces and maintains friendly relations with Yunnan province in China. Regular border diplomacy activities contribute to building a border of peace, friendship, cooperation, and joint development.

These socio-economic development and defense-security policies in border areas have brought positive results, reinforcing people’s trust in the Party’s policies while strengthening bonds between local authorities, armed forces, and ethnic communities. In upland villages, residents voluntarily protect border markers, maintain security, comply with the law, and join hands in building their homeland. Every household and every resident in the border areas today stands as a “living bulwark” guarding the Fatherland from within people’s hearts.

President Hồ Chí Minh once said: “We must guard the border as we guard the pupils of our eyes.” Today, the border is safeguarded through the trust, responsibility, and unity of the people.