A once-busy border sector just east of San Diego has become quiet since President Donald Trump took office and began aggressively securing the border, says a veterans group.

Vietnam’s border guards brave ... has been stationed at remote and difficult-to-access border posts across Lai Chau. Reflecting on his most unforgettable experience, he recalls a perilous night patrol ...

This area has seen vibrant export-import activities and goods exchange between Vietnam and China, but it is also abused for smuggling, trade fraud, illegal transport of goods, and unauthorised border ...