Vietnam celebrates 50 years since war’s end with focus on peace and unity

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnam on Wednesday celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of the war with the United States and the formation of its modern nation with a military parade and a focus on a peaceful future.

The fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975 marked the end of a Vietnam divided into the communist North and U.S.-allied South, and the country's top official told crowds the past decades had led to ever increasing unity.

“All the Vietnamese are the descendants of Vietnam. They have the rights to live and work, to have freedom to pursue happiness and love in this country," said To Lam, the Vietnam Communist Party's general secretary.

"In a spirit of closing the past, respecting differences, aiming for the future, the whole party, the people and the army vow to make Vietnam become a country of peace, unity, prosperity and development,” he added.

Thousands camped overnight on the streets of the former South Vietnamese capital, which was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after it fell to North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops, to get the best vantage point for the parade. Many lingered on the streets later in the afternoon and had picnics while waiting for drone and fireworks shows scheduled for the evening.

The red and yellow of Vietnam's national flag was everywhere in the city — fluttering from buildings, painted on the faces of eager teenagers and on the T-shirts of those who had traveled to the city from all over the country.

“Now it’s time for peace," said spectator Nguyen Thi Hue, a city resident. "Peace is the dream that everyone in the world wants.”

One float carried the mythical Lac bird, Vietnam’s emblem, another a portrait of Ho Chi Minh.

Chinese, Laotian and Cambodian troops marched behind Vietnamese army formations, including some wearing uniforms similar to what was worn by northern Vietnamese troops during the war. Helicopters carrying the national flag and jets flew over the parade near Independence Palace, where a North Vietnamese tank smashed through the gates on the final day of the war.

And all the while, the crowds soaked it in. They had gathered outside the barricades and at some street corners where giant screens had been set up. Those at home huddled over their television sets. Phones raised and eyes wide, they waved and cheered at the marching soldiers.

Sitting next to Vietnam's leader were Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen and Laotian Communist Party General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith.

To Lam said beyond a victory over the U.S. and South Vietnam, the fall of Saigon was a “glorious landmark" that ended a 30-year fight for independence that began with the fight to oust French colonial troops.

He said Vietnam owes its position in the world today to support from the Soviet Union, China and solidarity from Laos and Cambodia, as well as “progressive” people all over the world including the U.S., he said.

The emphasis on reconciliation and not, like previous years, on military victory reflected how Vietnam was approaching the changing tides of the global economy and geopolitics today, said Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst at Singapore’s ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute. He added that the Vietnam War remains central to how the Communist Party framed its legitimacy, not just as a military triumph but also as a symbol of national unity. But To Lam’s comments underlined that the reconciliation remains unfinished.

“The war still defines Vietnam’s unity, and its unresolved divides,” Giang said.

For Pham Ngoc Son, a veteran who fought for the communists, today there is “only space for peace and friendship” between the U.S. and Vietnam.

“The war is over a long time ago,” said the 69-year-old who, during the war, served as an army truck driver bringing troops and supplies from the north to the south along the Ho Chi Minh trail — the secret supply route used by North Vietnam.

This year also marks the 30-year anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the U.S.

In 2023, Vietnam upgraded its relations with the U.S. to that of a comprehensive strategic partner, the highest diplomatic status it gives to any country and the same level of relations as China and Russia.

There are new signs of strain in the relationship with Washington, however, with President Donald Trump's imposition of heavy tariffs and the cancellation of much foreign aid, which has affected war remediation efforts in Vietnam.

Vietnamese officials say the relationship with the U.S. is anchored in American efforts to address war legacies such as Agent Orange contamination and unexploded ordnance in the countryside that still threaten lives.

The future of those projects is now at risk because of the Trump administration’s broad cuts to USAID.

Moreover, the export-dependent country is vulnerable in a global economy made fragile amid Trump's tariff plans.

Vietnam was slammed with reciprocal tariffs of 46%, one of the highest. This puts a “big question mark” on what the U.S. wants to achieve in Asia, said Huong Le-Thu of the International Crisis Group think tank.

Previously, close ties with Washington have helped Vietnam balance its relations with its much larger and more powerful neighbor China, she said.

Vietnam is one of the countries, along with the Philippines, that has been involved in direct confrontations with China over conflicting maritime claims in the South China Sea.

Focus on economic and not strategic competition may mean that Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia become less important for the U.S.

“It really will be shaping up (on) how the new administration sees the strategic picture in the Indo-Pacific and where countries like Vietnam would fit in,” she said.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce on Tuesday refused to comment on reports that the Trump administration had discouraged diplomats from attending anniversary events. “I’m not going to discuss what has been suggested or not suggested,” she said.

The Embassy in Hanoi said U.S. consul general in Ho Chi Minh City Susan Burns had attended the event. U.S. ambassador Marc E. Knapper didn't attend.

About 13,000 people, including troops, militias, veterans and local citizens took part in the parade. The route followed the main boulevard leading to the Independence Palace before branching into city streets and passed the U.S. Consulate.

A video of Chinese troops singing the iconic song “As If Uncle Ho Were With Us on Victory Day” during a rehearsal was shared widely on social media. Chinese leader Xi Jinping had visited Vietnam earlier in the month in a bid to present the country as a force for stability in contrast with Trump.

Hau Dinh in Ho Chi Minh City, and Matthew Lee in Washington, contributed to this report.

For more coverage of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War’s end, visit https://apnews.com/hub/vietnam-war.

A woman is photographed with a photo of the late wartime Vietnamese Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap as another person holds a photo of the late Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, left, after a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

A Vietnamese military unit waves Vietnamese and hammer and sickle flags during a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Vietnamese dancers perform during a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

A float depicting a tank is carried in a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

Vietnamese performers participate during a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Two Vietnamese women shop for fruit at a market in the Little Saigon neighborhood of Westminster, Calif., Friday, April 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Vietnamese female police officers march during a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Chinese soldiers participate in a parade during the celebration for the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Women soldiers in North Vietnamese Army costumes march during a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the war on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

A Vietnamese military unit marches past the grandstand during a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

A woman walks after watching a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

Vietnamese female police officers march during a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Vietnamese dancers perform during a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

A Vietnamese women's medical unit marches during a military parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Vietnamese veteran soldiers take part in a parade during the 50th anniversary celebration of the end of the Vietnam War Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Vietnamese troops march during a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Vietnamese troops march during a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Vietnamese drummers perform during a parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Vietnamese participants gather prior to a parade during the 50th anniversary celebration of the end of the Vietnam War on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

A float carrying a portrait of the late Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh takes part in a parade during the 50th anniversary celebration of the end of the Vietnam War Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

Vietnamese veterans take part in a parade during the 50th anniversary celebration of the end of the Vietnam War on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

A float with structure commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War is marched during a parade in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Vietnam War veterans on an open bus pass the Independence Palace during a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Vietnamese troops march during a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Vietnamese troops march during a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Vietnamese troops march during a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Vietnamese troops march during a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Chinese troops march during a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Vietnamese troops march during a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Vietnamese troops march during a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Vietnam War veterans on an open bus pass the Independence Palace during a parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh City Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

People walk in a street decorated for the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnamese War in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Tuesday, April 29, 2025.(AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

A man walks with a portrait of Vietnamese national hero Ho Chi Minh ahead of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnamese War in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Tuesday, April 29, 2025.(AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

A women hold Vietnam national flag ahead of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnamese War at a street in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

A Vietnamese barista pours a fresh cup of coffee at a street market in the Cholon district in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 ahead of national celebration of the 50th Anniversary of reunification and the end of the Vietnamese War. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

A baby girl sporting a heart with a yellow star takes in the festivities for the national celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of reunification and the end of the Vietnamese War, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

//A woman wears a conical hat decorated with Vietnamese flags to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War in front of the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh)

Motorbikes drive along a street under Vietnamese flags in the Cholon district of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 ahead of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnamese War. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

A spice vendor waits for customers at the Cholon market in the Cholon district of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 ahead of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnamese War. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (AP) — Slovenia’s parliament on Friday appointed right-wing populist politician Janez Jansa as the new prime minister, in a shift for the small European Union country that was previously run by a liberal government.

Lawmakers backed Jansa in a 51-36 vote in the 90-member assembly. The new prime minister will need to come back to Parliament within the next 15 days for another vote to confirm his future Cabinet.

Jansa's appointment concludes a postelection stalemate in Slovenia after a parliamentary ballot two months ago ended practically in a tie. Former liberal Prime Minister Robert Golob's Freedom Movement won by a thin margin but he was unable to muster a parliamentary majority.

Jansa and his populist Slovenian Democratic Party signed a coalition agreement this week with several right-wing groups. The new government also has the backing of a nonestablishment Truth party that first emerged as an anti-vaccination movement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new term in office will be the fourth for the veteran Slovenian politician. Jansa, 67, is an admirer of U.S. President Donald Trump and was a close ally of former populist Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who was defeated in a landslide election last month.

Jansa in a speech listed the economy, fight against corruption and red tape, and decentralization as key goals of the future government. He has promised to lower taxes for the rich and support private education and healthcare.

Critical of the previous government's alleged “inefficiency," Jansa said the new government will turn Slovenia into “a country of opportunity, prosperity and justice, where each responsible citizen will feel safe and accepted."

Like Orban, Jansa was staunchly anti-immigrant during the huge migration wave to Europe in 2015. Also like Orban, Jansa has faced accusations of clamping down on democratic institutions and press freedoms during a previous term in 2020-2022. This led to protests at the time, and scrutiny from the European Union.

Golob in his speech described Jansa as “the greatest threat to Slovenia’s sovereignty and democracy."

Alleging that Jansa had threatened to arrest him, Golob said Jansa's "idea of democracy is that anyone who dares speak a word against you deserves only the worst.”

Jansa, a supporter of Israel, also has been a stern critic of the Golob government's 2024 recognition of a Palestinian state.

The vote on March 22 was marred by allegations of foreign influence and corruption. The around 2 million people in the Alpine nation are deeply divided between liberals and conservatives.

Janez Jansa, center, addresses the Slovenian Parliament during a session in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Friday, May 22, 2026, before appointing him as prime minister, ending a political deadlock after tight elections in March. (AP Photo/Igor Kupljenik)

Janez Jansa arrives for a session of the Slovenian Parliament in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Friday, May 22, 2026, before appointing him as prime minister, ending a political deadlock after tight elections in March. (AP Photo/Igor Kupljenik)

Janez Jansa addresses the Slovenian Parliament during a session in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Friday, May 22, 2026, before appointing him as prime minister, ending a political deadlock after tight elections in March. (AP Photo/Igor Kupljenik)