Enhancing Diplomatic Ties: A Closer Look at China-Vietnam Relations
China has stressed the significance of its relationship with Vietnam as a key priority in its neighborhood diplomacy during a state visit in Beijing on Monday. President Xi Jinping and Vietnamese leader To Lam convened to reinforce the “high-level and strategic” ties between the two countries, despite the ongoing rift in the South China Sea and Vietnam’s recent elevation of ties with the United States.
During the meeting at the Great Hall of the People, President Xi Jinping underscored the importance of Vietnam in China’s neighborhood diplomacy. He expressed his readiness to build a strong working relationship and personal friendship with Vietnamese leader To Lam, with the goal of deepening and strengthening the bond between the two nations. Furthermore, Xi Jinping praised To Lam, referring to him as “a good comrade and friend,” and commended his contributions to the bilateral ties between China and Vietnam.
Xi Jinping urged To Lam to focus on developing increased political mutual trust, strong security cooperation, and deeper practical cooperation between the two nations. The Chinese leader emphasized the importance of effectively managing and resolving differences to strengthen diplomatic relations.
Despite past tensions in the South China Sea, Vietnam under To Lam’s leadership has successfully repaired political ties with China. Strong party-to-party relations, a personal bond between top leaders, and their shared commitment to communist ideology have contributed to the stabilization of their ties. This effort to mend relations was evident in President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Hanoi in December, where China and Vietnam elevated their ties to a “community with a shared future.”
During the meeting, China and Vietnam also signed a joint declaration and more than a dozen cooperation documents covering various areas, including infrastructure, health, industry, finance, customs, party schools, news agencies, and media. These agreements underscore the commitment of both nations to strengthen cooperation in multiple sectors, despite the challenges in their maritime dispute.
The visit of To Lam, Vietnam’s first leader to visit China as president and party chief since its founding revolutionary Ho Chi Minh, holds significance in reassuring China of Vietnam’s commitment to maintaining a cordial relationship. While the South China Sea issue remains a challenge, the primary focus of the meeting was on economic cooperation, particularly in areas such as investment and infrastructure development.
As political uncertainty looms over Vietnam due to leadership succession and the rise of To Lam, both Vietnam and China face challenges in their bilateral ties. However, efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and diplomatic relations are evident in the recent engagements between the two nations.
The meeting between Xi Jinping and To Lam underscores the commitment of both China and Vietnam to navigate their differences and prioritize economic cooperation amid geopolitical challenges. While obstacles remain, the emphasis on fostering mutual trust and deepening practical cooperation reflects a positive outlook for the future of China-Vietnam relations.
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