The Chinese personnel touched down at Tan Son Nhat International Airport at around 12:15 p.m., where they were greeted by Vietnamese military representatives and civilians waving both nations' flags.
The group then traveled by bus to neighboring Binh Duong Province at around 1 p.m. for rest and joint training ahead of the main parade.
Chinese soldiers and officials arrive in Tan Son Nhat Airport, April 25, 2025. Video by Tuan Viet
Their participation comes at the invitation of Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense and is seen as a gesture to underscore friendly ties between Vietnam and China. The event also serves to honor the international support Vietnam received during its struggle for independence.
Armies from Laos and Cambodia had earlier sent delegations to Vietnam for the parade as well. After completing training exercises in Binh Duong, those troops are now rehearsing alongside Vietnamese forces in central Ho Chi Minh City.
More than 13,000 participants are expected to join the national reunification parade, which will begin at 6:30 a.m. on April 30. The main ceremony will take place in District 1, with the parade marching from the intersection of Le Duan and Nguyen Binh Khiem streets, moving through several central roads.