“This is the 8th time we have collaborated with the Vietnam Navy to organize such a trip,” said Nguyen Manh Dung, permanent secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee.“Our goal is to instil a sense of patriotism and love of country in the younger generation,” said Mr Dung. “The participants come from diverse walks of life, with many of them being budding businessmen, artists, doctors, and students.”

During the visit, the participants will present gifts and engage in cultural exchange activities with local officers, servicemen, and residents on the islands and at the DK1 oil rig. 

One of the participants, a young teacher named Thuy Tien said, “We want to express our warmest appreciation to the soldiers and local people there.” She noted the participants plan on planting trees during the visit as a symbol of the nation’s enduring strength.