As the National Defence Journal eloquently captures, we mourn the loss of our esteemed General Secretary, Nguyen Phu Trong. Throughout his illustrious career, even though our General Secretary held the highest positions within the Party, State, and National Assembly, he maintained a life of remarkable simplicity and humility, embodying the ideal of a “pure existence without grandeur”. His passing, as he joins his ancestors and revolutionary forebears, has left such an immeasurable void that our people and nation, Vietnamese communists, international partners and the global progressive community mourn deeply and share in our profound sorrow and sense of irreplaceable loss.
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| General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong visits a war invalid’s family in Tung Ke 2 village, Ayun commune, Chu Se district, Gia Lai province (photo: VNA) |
While the cycle of life and death is an inevitable part of human existence, the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is a profound loss for the Party, the State, our nation, and his family. The sense of loss permeates every corner of Vietnam, from bustling cities to quiet rural areas, from the flatlands to the highlands. It is palpable in every street and alley of our cherished S-shaped land, reflected in the tearful eyes of the elderly, the solemn composure of adults, and the reddened eyes of the young at his memorial service. The outpouring of respect, affection, and grief from the Vietnamese people and the global community is a testament to the extraordinary legacy that our General Secretary left. As a towering figure, he inspired steadfast trust and deep admiration among our compatriots, soldiers, and international friends.
Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong's character, marked by nobility and steadfastness, is vividly reflected in his revolutionary journey, diverse leadership roles, and personal relationships, be it with mentors, comrades, friends, and colleagues. At its core, he is the epitome of a dedicated communist cadre. Intelligent and disciplined, he embodies the ideals of diligence, frugality, integrity, and righteousness. His unswerving piety to the people and the nation is perfectly aligned with his oath: “absolute loyalty to the country, the Party, the State, and the people”, as he declared before the National Assembly and the fellow citizens during his inauguration as the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This oath was more than merely a formality, it was a solemn pledge that deepened public trust in the leader and, by extension, in the Party and State's mission to build, develop, and protect the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. A hallmark of his leadership is the seamless alignment of words and deeds. Dedicated to the Party's ideals and the people's welfare, he has consistently approached challenges with caution, perseverance, and unwavering resolve. Thus, comrade Nguyen Phu Trong's character is reflected in various dimensions, but most notably in his exemplary leadership qualities and virtues. His character, defined by selfless dedication to the nation and its people, epitomises the ideals of a communist revolutionary. Renouncing personal gain, he has consistently prioritised national interests. As he once said: “A person lives only once, one must live in a way that makes life meaningful, without regret for petty, cowardly, or dishonourable actions. Wealth cannot be carried beyond this life, only honour remains as the most sacred and noble pursuit”. His character embodies the essence of a true Vietnamese - full of compassion, humanistic values, and respect for integrity, all with a considerate approach”.
As the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), comrade Nguyen Phu Trong has made an indelible mark on the Party through his tireless efforts to build a pure and strong CPV. At the heart of this is the unwavering commitment to Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought. Coupled with this is the determined effort to thwart all attempts to undermine the Party through the strategy of "peaceful evolution" and the promotion of “internal subversion”, thus safeguarding the Party's ideological foundation. Under his leadership, the Party has undergone significant restructuring, with a focus on modernising operations and improving efficiency in the current context. These changes have been implemented across the political system, including the state, legislature, and the Fatherland Front, and other relevant bodies.
The anti-corruption campaign led by comrade Nguyen Phu Trong as the Head of the Central Steering Committee is an integral part of the Party building and purification efforts and cannot be overlooked. Over the course of 13 years, his approach, characterised by “no restricted areas”, “no exceptions”, and “regardless of status”, has left a profound mark with his remarkable determination, unwavering perseverance, and high political resolve, achieving tangible results. This has truly been a battle against “internal enemies”, as described by President Ho Chi Minh, carried out by our entire Party, people, and military, with comrade Nguyen Phu Trong standing as a leading and pioneering figure.
With significant domestic and international attention, this effort is expected to mark a pivotal juncture in our nation’s history. A notable aspect is the humane approach to handling violations, ensuring clear distinctions between right and wrong. While the downfall of certain officials and Party members, including those of the Politburo, has been a painful necessity, it is a resolute step towards safeguarding the nation's prosperity and the Party's enduring legacy. As the saying goes, it is better to cut off one branch to save the entire tree. Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong has accurately identified individualism as the pernicious root cause of corruption and moral decay, a scourge that has plagued societies throughout history and must be eradicated, in line with President Ho Chi Minh's teachings. Since corruption is invariably linked with officials in positions of power in any state, we must unite as a nation, demonstrating unwavering resolve and collective action to prevail in this protracted struggle.
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| General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong works with the Editorial Board of the National Defence Journal, April 2014 |
Although our General Secretary passed away, his legacy in the fight against corruption and misconduct remains as impactful and inspiring as ever. His vision and resolve continue to inspire and guide us, serving as a crucial source of confidence and support for our Party, people, and military as we persist in this crucial struggle.
Having been elected and served as the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPV across nearly three terms (XI, XII, XIII), as well as holding the roles of President and National Assembly Chairman, comrade Nguyen Phu Trong has made substantial contributions to our revolutionary cause. He is not only an exemplary leader with exceptional qualities but also a distinguished revolutionary theorist. Since 1967, he has authored dozens of books, covering a broad spectrum of writings and speeches on key national events and various fields.
Since the 13th National Party Congress in 2021, several highly acclaimed books have been published, attracting significant attention both at home and abroad. Among the most notable is “Some theoretical and practical issues on Socialism and the Path to Socialism in Vietnam”, which brings together 29 writings and speeches by the General Secretary into a comprehensive 464-page volume. Released in 2022, it has been translated into seven languages, including English, Chinese, Lao, Russian, French, Spanish, and Dutch. Other key publications include “Resolutely and persistently fighting against corruption and negative practices, making contributions to building our Party and State in an increasingly cleaner and stronger manner” (600 pages, 2023), “Remaining Steadfast on the Path of Renovation - Volume I” (824 pages, 2021), and “Building and Developing Comprehensive and Modern Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy of Vietnam bearing the distinctive character of Vietnamese Bamboo” (2023). Most of these works have been published by the Truth National Political Publishing House.
Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong's theoretical contributions constitute a rich tapestry of profound thought and strategic acumen, encompassing a wide spectrum of domains, including politics, economics, culture, diplomacy, national defence, security and many others. His intellectual legacy is an invaluable asset to the Party, the nation, and the people.
A poignant testament to the austere lifestyle of comrade Nguyen Phu Trong was shared by the Deputy Director of the Truth National Political Publishing House. When inquiries arose regarding the purported substantial royalties earned from the comrade's works, it was clarified that remuneration was strictly adhered to state regulations, with payments of 25,000 VND per page for published articles and 80,000 VND for unpublished ones. Moreover, it was revealed that in the lead-up to the 2023 Lunar New Year, while convalescing in hospital, comrade Nguyen Phu Trong instructed his secretary to claim his royalties to supplement festive expenses. This act of selfless consideration exemplifies the unparalleled humility and integrity of our esteemed leader, serving as an inspiring beacon for the nation.
In paying tribute to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, we express our profound respect for the esteemed President Ho Chi Minh, the illustrious leader of our Party and nation, a paragon of national liberation, and a globally recognised cultural luminary. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong exemplifies the spirit of diligent study and emulation of President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, ethics, and demeanour. He stands as a paragon of embodying President Ho Chi Minh’s teachings both in word and deed.
In his role as a leader, he has consistently prioritised educating cadres and party members through the lens of President Ho Chi Minh’s teachings, setting an exemplary standard himself. Notably, he has effectively applied and implemented the principle of "firm in objectives, flexible in strategies and tactics", the philosophy of prioritising "the people as the bedrock of our nation"; the selection of cadres possessing both virtue and ability, with the former as the cornerstone; and a meticulous, diligent, and prudent working style in the spirit of President Ho Chi Minh.
The National Defence Journal is the military and political theoretical agency of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence. As Secretary of the Central Military Commission, comrade Nguyen Phu Trong consistently showed close and sincere attention to the Journal. In early 2015, the editorial board had the privilege of collaborating with him on an article commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. During the review process, comrade Nguyen Phu Trong noted, “I have sent the article to the Minister of National Defence and the Chief of the General Department of Politics for their feedback. Both have assessed it positively. I concur and approve its publication in the National Defence Journal.” He further advised, “The copyright of the article belongs to the Journal; any other media outlet wishing to use it must obtain permission from the Journal”. His humility and straightforward approach left us both pleased and deeply impressed - an experience that stands out as one of the most memorable in our journalism careers.
One’s character, far from being an inherent or an abstract concept, is forged through a long process of learning, training, and practical experience, enriched by the nation’s cultural and humanistic traditions and the selective adoption of global cultural achievements. It is most clearly demonstrated through one’s behaviour and interactions - with others, with their work, and particularly with matters of national significance. For individuals in high positions of responsibility, character becomes even more crucial, as it can influence the destiny of the Party, the regime, the country, and the people. The combination of these factors, along with the tangible evidence of comrade Nguyen Phu Trong’s significant contributions, confirms that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is indeed a towering figure among our people.
Our country and nation will always hold General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in the highest regard and deepest gratitude as he is truly a remarkable figure. Though he left us, his exemplary image and character will forever remain in the hearts of millions of Vietnamese people, both at home and abroad, as well as with our international friends. In tribute to his memory, and with profound respect and sorrow, we light this incense to bid him a final farewell.
Major General NGUYEN MANH HUNG