Phan Văn Giang

Phan Văn Giang (born October 14, 1960) is a Vietnamese politician and a General of the Vietnam People's Army. He currently serves as a member of the Politburo, a member of the Standing Committee of the Central Military Commission, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence, Chairman of the Central Council for National Defence and Security Education, Head of the Inter-agency Working Group on National Defence and Security, Head of the Steering Committee on Human Rights, a member of the Council for National Defence and Security, and a member of the 16th National Assembly (2026–2031 term).

Early life and career Phan Văn Giang was born in October 14, 1960 in Núi Hột village, Đồng Hỷ district, Thai Nguyen province but his hometown is Hồng Quang Commune, Nam Trực district, Nam Định province.

Giang began his military career in August 1978, initially serving as an information soldier in 4th Battalion, 677th Regiment of PAVN's 346th Division. His skills were put to the test during the border conflict in February 1979, where he fought at the height of 893 near Pát village of Trà Lĩnh District, Cao Bằng Province. In November 1979, he was selected to study at the Vietnam Military College of Tank Armour Officer to specialize in tank and armor command. In December 1982, he was admitted to the Communist Party of Vietnam. In September 1983, after he graduated from the College of Tank Armour Officer with a Bachelor's degree in tank and armored command and staff, Giang was promptly promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the 312th Division of 1st Army Corps. Over the years, he assumed various leadership roles within the division, including Platoon Leader and Deputy Commander, while also pursuing advanced training at the National Defense Academy, where he has earned a doctorate in military science.

High posts

His rise through the ranks continued with appointments such as Deputy Chief of Staff, Division Commander, and Secretary of the Party Committee. Notably, he was promoted to Major General in August 2010 and later to Lieutenant General in September 2013. Giang's leadership was further recognized when he was elected to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam in January 2016. Subsequently, he assumed roles such as Deputy Minister of National Defense and Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army. In April 2021, he was appointed Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defense. Beyond his military and political roles, Giang has also been involved in national committees, including leadership positions in COVID-19 prevention and control efforts. Defence Minister and General Giang met United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in 2025. In April 2026, Phan Văn Giang was appointed Deputy Prime Minister.

Commands Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of The 312th Division, The 1st Corps (Vietnam People's Army) (2000–03) Commander of the 312th Division, The 1st Corps (Vietnam People's Army) (2003–08) Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of The 1st Corps (Vietnam People's Army) (2008–10) Commander of the 1st Corps (Vietnam People's Army) (2010–11) Deputy Chief of General Staff (2011–14) Commander of 1st Military Region (Vietnam People's Army) (2014–16) Chief of the General Staff (2016–21) Deputy Prime Minister (2026-now)

Medals National Military Exploit OrderFirst class Military Exploit OrderThird class1st award Fatherland Defense OrderThird class1st award

Foreign