Vietnam marked the 80th anniversary of its declaration of independence from colonial rule on Tuesday with its largest military parade in decades, unprecedented nationwide cash payments, and the release of nearly 14,000 prisoners.

Tens of thousands filled the streets of Hanoi, many dressed in red and waving the national flag, in a powerful display of patriotism in the Communist-led state.

The parade featured Vietnam’s most advanced weaponry, from Russian-made Mi-171 helicopters and Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets to domestically manufactured drones. Thousands of Vietnamese troops marched alongside military contingents from China, Russia and other nations. At sea, the celebrations included demonstrations by Russian Kilo-class submarines and frigates.

“We are unwavering in our commitment to defend the independence, freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our Fatherland, down to every sacred inch of land,” Communist Party General Secretary To Lam declared in his opening speech.

The event was observed by national leaders and foreign dignitaries, including senior lawmakers from China and Russia, at Ba Dinh Square- the site where, on 2 September 1945, revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh proclaimed independence.

That address marked the birth of an independent Vietnam after nearly a century of French colonial domination and a short Japanese occupation during the Second World War. However, France refused to recognise the new state and fought a decade-long conflict that ended with its defeat in 1954.

The United States was represented at the parade by a member of its embassy, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement congratulating Vietnam, describing the country as “a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific region and a leader in addressing shared global challenges.”

Spectators expressed their excitement at the scale of the celebration. “I’m so glad, satisfied and deeply moved to finally witness the marching troops pass by,” said Hoang Thi Huyen, a 42-year-old Hanoi resident who camped out with her family for almost two days to secure a vantage point. “It was worth the wait. The troops and the fighter jets were amazing,” she added.

Roads in central Hanoi had been closed for three days to allow rehearsals and the parade itself.

As part of the commemorations, Vietnam announced last week that it would distribute 100,000 dong (£3.00) to each of its 100 million citizens — an unprecedented measure expected to cost as much as £300 million. President Luong Cuong also declared a large-scale amnesty for 13,920 prisoners, including 66 foreign nationals, who will be released before completing their sentences.

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