Stationed at Milestone No. 0 and Tả Ló San’s “summit”

Located along the route leading to Milestone No. 0 – known as “the starting point where the map of Việt Nam begins” or “where a rooster crows, and three countries hear it” – the task force of A Pa Chải Border Guard Station patrols and guards the Việt Nam–China–Laos border area daily, maintaining security and order. The responsibility they shoulder is of utmost importance.

In this remote area, where the national electricity grid has yet to reach, soldiers depend on solar energy to power their essentials. The limited supply is just enough to light a few bulbs and charge communication devices. On cloudy days, when the sun doesn’t shine for long periods, their work becomes even more challenging.

Alongside their main duties of preventing illegal border crossings and maintaining security, the soldiers make use of the land around their outpost to grow crops and raise livestock. Despite the modest conditions, they always manage to keep vegetable gardens, fruit trees, chicken coops, and pig pens thriving.

This self-sufficient lifestyle not only supplements their meals but also strengthens their bond as a team. The sight of soldiers in their faded uniforms, cheerfully working with hoes and shovels, is a powerful reflection of their optimism and determination to overcome adversity.

More than 50km from the A Pa Chải Milestone No. 0 outpost, in Tả Ló San (Sen Thượng Commune)—the northernmost village on Điện Biên’s map, bordering China—the Sen Thượng Border Guard task force faces similar challenges.

Located on the rugged route leading to border markers 15 and 16, the team frequently navigates steep, winding mountain roads to carry out their patrol duties.

As a frontline border outpost, the Tả Ló San task force’s barracks remain disconnected from the national power grid. Life here is defined by simplicity and self-sufficiency. Officers and soldiers rely on wood stoves for cooking, make use of natural spring water, and grow their own vegetables, raise livestock, and even cultivate rice by hand. On freezing winter nights, stories shared around the fire provide warmth and nurture their spirit.

Duty and pride
Whether under scorching sun or relentless rain, in the blistering heat of summer or the freezing cold of winter, border patrol duties are never neglected. From narrow forest trails and steep mountain slopes to deep, shadowy valleys, the soldiers’ footprints are etched into the soil of their homeland.

Border patrols not only ensure security and order along the frontier but also provide opportunities for border guards to connect with local highland communities.

They regularly visit households in the area, educate residents on legal matters, and assist them with production and daily activities. In A Pa Chải and Sen Thượng, the border guards are a reliable pillar of support, helping local people overcome challenges.

Alongside their border patrol and monitoring duties, the daily lives of border officers and soldiers are filled with quiet, touching moments of humanity.

After each patrol, they return to tending vegetable gardens, caring for their livestock, or fixing everyday tools and equipment. During breaks, the soldiers gather together to share stories about their families and hometowns, providing each other with invaluable emotional support.

Despite being stationed in one of the most remote and deprived areas, where living conditions are basic and resources scarce, they maintain the discipline and neatness of professional soldiers. They take time to care for their “vegetable gardens and fish ponds” – not just vital food sources but also a form of emotional comfort.

In the late afternoons, as the sun sets, border guards play volleyball, badminton, exercise, or simply sit and chat. Their laughter echoes through the mountains and forests, dispelling the day’s exhaustion. Their happiness often comes from the simplest things: a modest meal with fresh vegetables grown by their own hands, thriving after days of care and nurturing.

Life on the border is not always easy. Hardship, deprivation, and at times even lurking dangers are ever-present. Whether in A Pa Chải or Sen Thượng, border officers and soldiers are trained and guided to carry within them an unyielding spirit, unwavering determination, and a profound love for their country. They are not just guardians of the frontier but also sons of the ethnic communities, living simply, close to the people, yet with a deep sense of responsibility.

In the face of adversity, each border guard represents a story of patriotism, sacrifice, and quiet dedication. They have been, are, and always will be a symbol of steadfast will, protecting every inch of their homeland’s sacred land.

The founding anniversary of the Việt Nam People’s Army on December 22 is an occasion to honour the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation and to show appreciation for those silently guarding the borders. They are the “beacons of light” at the frontier, protecting peace for the people.