In order to prove the absolute safety of the China-Vietnam border areas, PLA soldiers stepped across the cleared mine fields hand-in-hand, as part of a large-scale mine sweeping mission last Friday. (Xinhua Photo)

It is estimated that more than 470,000 mines remain buried in the mountains and dense forests from the conflicts in the 1980s. These wartime leftovers have caused multiple casualties on both sides. (Xinhua Photo) 

The Chinese soldiers are tasked to comb 51 mine fields in six counties along the border, an area that is home to more than 50,000 people, and the mission is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017. (Xinhua Photo)

Needless to say, it’s a dangerous task for these young soldiers . (Xinhua Photo)