As part of an ongoing intensive diplomatic effort by China to consolidate and develop friendly relations with the member states of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other countries in the region, China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted separate visits from the foreign ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Timor-Leste in the first week of April. The visits all took place in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China, bordering Vietnam, serving also to highlight the growing importance attached to subnational ties by China in its foreign policy.
Wang Yi met with his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son on April 4. He noted that China-Vietnam relations achieved rapid development last year since the top leaders of the two parties jointly announced the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Quoting a line of poetry from the Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, he said that this gave new meaning to the verse, “so profound is the friendship between Vietnam and China, because we are both comrades and brothers.”
Since the beginning of this year, he added, the top leaders of the two parties have exchanged new year greetings and maintained the momentum of high-level visits, while border provinces have pursued close cooperation and two-way personnel exchanges have achieved new breakthroughs.
China always regards Vietnam as a priority in neighbourhood diplomacy and stands ready to work with Vietnam to implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties, make solid plans for bilateral exchanges and cooperation, and jointly push forward the building of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future to a new level.
He suggested that the two sides should focus on such areas as strengthening high-level strategic communication, accelerating the alignment of development strategies, and continuing to expand cooperation in the economic and trade investment, digital economy, green development, new energy and key minerals.
Calling on both sides to jointly safeguard international equity and justice and continue to support each other on issues concerning major common interests, Wang said that it is necessary to be vigilant against engaging in camp confrontations in the region and cobbling together various “small circles” to undermine regional peace and stability.
Bui Thanh Son said that as a neighbour, comrade and brother, Vietnam supports China’s development and always regards China as the top priority and strategic choice of Vietnam’s foreign relations.
Vietnam is willing to maintain close coordination with China, promote economic and trade investment, deepen subnational cooperation, actively promote Vietnam-China friendship, build a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that bears strategic significance, and bring more benefits to the two peoples.
Vietnam adheres to the one-China principle, firmly supports China’s position on Taiwan and issues related to Xinjiang and Xizang [Tibet], opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of human rights and democracy, and will strengthen multilateral coordination with China to safeguard common interests, he added.
The previous day, Bui Thanh Son had discussed regional cooperation with the Secretary of the Party Committee of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China Liu Ning. He affirmed that the Vietnamese party and state always support and facilitate cooperation between Vietnamese localities and their Chinese counterparts, including Guangxi.
Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities, and Guangxi should maintain and raise the efficiency of their existing cooperation mechanisms, step up friendship, conduct theory exchanges and share experience in Party building, social management and economic development.
At the same time, the two sides should enhance railway and road connectivity, and work to raise mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries’ people, especially younger generations.
Meanwhile, at the invitation of Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC), Vuong Dinh Hue, Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, began a visit to China on April 7.
In an interview with the Vietnamese party newspaper Nhân Dân prior to the visit, Vietnam’s Ambassador to China, Pham Sao Mai stressed its importance, saying that it affirms that Vietnam considers relations with China as the top priority and a strategic choice in its foreign policy. The visit also aims to carry out the six major cooperation orientations of the two countries, especially promoting higher political trust and consolidating a more solid social foundation for bilateral relations, thereby helping elevate the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership for the sake of the two peoples as well as for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
The day prior to his meeting with the Vietnamese minister, Wang Yi met with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith.
Wang noted that China and Laos are good comrades, good brothers and good partners who share a common future and common development. Bilateral relations have always maintained a sound momentum of development.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Laos comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Wang said that China is ready to work with Laos to implement the strategic consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, push for more tangible results in the building of the China-Laos community of shared future, fully support Laos as the rotating chair of ASEAN, enrich the connotation of the China-ASEAN community of shared future, and jointly safeguard regional peace and development.
Saleumxay Kommasith said that Laos will work with China to implement the new version of the action plan for building a Laos-China community with a shared future, promote the Laos-China Railway to achieve greater economic effect, strengthen cooperation in energy, agriculture, tourism and other fields, and jointly crack down on cross-border crimes. As the rotating chair of ASEAN, Laos will closely communicate and cooperate with China to jointly advance the East Asia cooperation process.
Days previously, on March 28, Li Mingxiang, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (IDCPC), met with a delegation of Lao cadres led by Somsa Ath Ounsida, Deputy Governor of the country’s Khammouan Province.
Li spoke positively of the relations between the two parties and countries, saying that under the strategic guidance of their top leaders, China and Laos have joined hands to build a high-standard, high-quality and high-level community with a shared future, setting an example for promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Lao side to implement the new five-year action plan on building a China-Laos community with a shared future, and transform the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries into tangible cooperation results, to better mutual benefit. The CPC is willing to, together with the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), deepen experience exchange in party building and administration, strengthen cooperation in cadre training, and inject strong impetus into the construction of a China-Laos community with a shared future.
Somsa Ath Ounsida said that Laos sincerely thanks the Chinese side for its tremendous help in Laos’ economic and social development and is willing to uphold the spirit of staying as good neighbours, friends, comrades and partners, and work with the Chinese side to promote the continuous development of the Laos-China community with a shared future.
On April 4, Wang Yi also held talks with Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste.
Noting that China and Timor-Leste elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership last September, in a historic leap forward in bilateral relations, Wang said that the two sides should carry forward their tradition of mutual trust and win-win cooperation, implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and promote the continuous upgrading of their comprehensive strategic partnership.
He added that China will always be a member of the developing world and its development will provide support and opportunities for all developing countries, including Timor-Leste. China is ready to establish an agricultural cooperation working group with Timor-Leste, deepen subnational exchanges, participate in infrastructure construction in Timor-Leste, expand personnel exchanges, and strengthen cooperation in such fields as culture, education, vocational training, tourism and sports.
Freitas said that bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and China have always developed on the basis of mutual trust and mutual benefits. Timor-Leste upholds the one-China principle firmly and is committed to strengthening friendly cooperation with China.
He added that Timor-Leste sincerely thanks the Chinese government and people for their selfless support of Timor-Leste’s efforts to achieve national independence, economic and social development, and to maintain national stability. Timor-Leste looks forward to working with China to enhance high-level exchanges and promote the implementation of more projects under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Following the conclusion of the visits, on April 6, Wang Yi stressed the need to continuously inject new impetus to promote Guangxi’s high-level opening-up and China-ASEAN cooperation and facilitate the building of dual circulation of domestic and international markets.
During an inspection, he visited relevant projects of China-ASEAN and China-Vietnam cooperation. He said that it is necessary to actively serve the building of a China-ASEAN community with a shared future, jointly promote Belt and Road cooperation, continuously polish the golden brand of the China-ASEAN Expo and build a major international channel open to ASEAN.
Wang stressed that Guangxi should strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Vietnam, consolidate the public opinion and social foundation for China-Vietnam friendship, continuously improve cross-border infrastructure connectivity, strive to build a border port featuring wisdom and convenience, complex development, friendly exchanges, and comprehensive security, and make greater contributions to building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency, Nhân Dân and on the website of the IDCPC.
Chinese FM meets with Vietnamese counterpart
NANNING, April 5 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Thursday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that China-Vietnam relations achieved rapid development last year since the top leaders of the two parties jointly announced the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, giving a new meaning to the line “so profound is the friendship between Vietnam and China, because we are both comrades and brothers.”
Since the beginning of this year, the top leaders of the two parties have exchanged new year greetings and maintained the momentum of high-level visits, while border provinces have pursued close cooperation and two-way personnel exchanges have achieved new breakthroughs, Wang said.
He added that China always regards Vietnam as a priority in neighborhood diplomacy, and stands ready to work with Vietnam to implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties, make solid plans for bilateral exchanges and cooperation, and jointly push forward the building of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future to a new level.
The two sides should focus on the six-point proposal on building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future and work together to promote cooperation in various fields, such as strengthening high-level strategic communication, accelerating the alignment of development strategies, and continuing to expand cooperation in the economic and trade investment, digital economy, green development, new energy and key minerals, according to Wang.
Calling on both sides to jointly safeguard international equity and justice and continue to support each other on issues concerning major common interests, Wang said that it is necessary to be vigilant against engaging in camp confrontations in the region and cobbling together various “small circles” to undermine regional peace and stability.
Bui Thanh Son said that as a neighbor, comrade and brother, Vietnam supports China’s development and always regards China as the top priority and strategic choice of Vietnam’s foreign relations.
Vietnam is willing to maintain close coordination with China, promote economic and trade investment, deepen sub-national cooperation, actively promote Vietnam-China friendship, build a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that bears strategic significance, and bring more benefits to the two peoples, he added.
Vietnam adheres to the one-China principle, firmly supports China’s position on Taiwan and issues related to Xinjiang and Xizang, opposes interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of human rights and democracy, and will strengthen multilateral coordination with China to safeguard common interests, Bui Thanh Son said.
He added that Vietnam is willing to work with China to implement the high-level consensus between the two countries, properly manage differences, actively promote maritime cooperation and consultation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The two sides also exchanged views on other issues of common concern.
Vietnam, China step up cooperation between localities
April 3 (Nhan Dan) — Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Secretary of the Party Committee of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China Liu Ning discussed measures to further promote relations between Vietnamese ministries and agencies, and Guangxi province of China at their meeting in Chongzuo city on April 3.
Son, who is paying an official visit to China, affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State always support and facilitate cooperation between Vietnamese localities and their Chinese counterparts, including Guangxi.
The minister suggested the two sides focus on implementing high-level common perceptions and major outcomes gained during the visit to China by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in October 2022, and the visit to Vietnam by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping in December 2023.
Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities, and Guangxi should maintain and raise the efficiency of their existing cooperation mechanisms, step up friendship, conduct theory exchanges and share experience in Party building, social management and economic development, he continued.
Son asked Guangxi province to facilitate customs clearance at border gates, especially for Vietnamese agricultural products, and speed up the construction of border gate infrastructure.
At the same time, the two sides should enhance railway and road connectivity, and work to raise mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries’ people, especially younger generations, he said.
Son stressed the need for the two sides to closely coordinate in land border management in line with three legal documents on the land border and relevant agreements that Vietnam and China had previously signed.
Liu, for his part, expressed his support for Son’s proposals, and affirmed that Guangxi province attaches importance to friendship exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation with Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities.
The two sides should maximise their potential, strengths and reciprocity in cooperation, he noted.
Chinese, Lao foreign ministers hold talks
NANNING, April 3 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith in Nanning on Wednesday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that China and Laos are good comrades, good brothers and good partners who share a common future and common development. Bilateral relations have always maintained a sound momentum of development.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Laos comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Wang said that China is ready to work with Laos to implement the strategic consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, push for more tangible results in the building of the China-Laos community of shared future, fully support Laos as the rotating chair of ASEAN, enrich the connotation of the China-Asean community of shared future, and jointly safeguard regional peace and development.
Wang said that China will actively support Laos in hosting a series of leaders’ meetings on East Asia cooperation, work with other parties to promote regional economic integration that benefits all and is inclusive, and build East Asia into a model for a new round of economic globalization.
Saleumxay Kommasith congratulated China on the successful holding of the two sessions, and expressed his belief that China will become more prosperous and stronger through the development of new quality productive forces and the promotion of Chinese modernization. He believes that China will play an exemplary role for other developing countries to achieve modernization.
Saleumxay Kommasith said that Laos firmly pursues the one-China policy and firmly supports China’s position on Hong Kong-related and Xinjiang-related issues, adding that Laos will work with China to implement the new version of the action plan for building a Laos-China community with a shared future, promote the Laos-China Railway to achieve greater economic effect, strengthen cooperation in energy, agricultural tourism and other fields, and jointly crack down on cross-border crimes. As the rotating chair of ASEAN, Laos will closely communicate and cooperate with China to jointly advance the East Asia cooperation process.
The two sides also exchanged views on the South China Sea and other issues of common concern.
Li Mingxiang Meets with a Delegation of Lao Cadres
Beijing, March 28th (IDCPC) — Li Mingxiang, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with a delegation of Lao cadres led by Somsa Ath Ounsida, deputy governor of Khammouan Province of Laos. Somphone Sichaleune, Lao Ambassador to China, was present.
Li spoke positively of the relations between the two Parties and relations between China and Laos, saying that under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two Parties and two countries, China and Laos have joined hands to build a high-standard, high-quality and high-level community with a shared future, setting an example for promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Lao side to implement the new five-year action plan on building a China-Laos community with a shared future, and transform the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and two countries into tangible cooperation results, to better benefit the two countries and peoples. The CPC is willing to, together with the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), deepen experience exchange in party building and administration, strengthen cooperation in cadre training, and inject strong impetus into the construction of a China-Laos community with a shared future.
Somsa Ath Ounsida said, the Lao side sincerely admires the CPC’s great achievements in implementing the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress and leading China’s economic and social development. It sincerely thanks the Chinese side for its tremendous help in Laos’ economic and social development, and is willing to uphold the spirit of staying as good neighbors, friends, comrades and partners, and work with the Chinese side to promote the continuous development of the Laos-China community with a shared future. All the delegation members look forward to learn experience in party building and administration from the CPC, so as to achieve new achievements in the causes of the LPRP and Laos.
Foreign ministers of China, Timor-Leste hold talks
NANNING, April 4 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Bendito dos Santos Freitas, minister of foreign affairs and cooperation of Timor-Leste, on Thursday in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that China and Timor-Leste elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership last September in a historic leap forward in bilateral relations.
The two sides should carry forward their tradition of mutual trust and win-win cooperation, implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and promote the continuous upgrading of their comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said.
Noting that China will always be a member of the developing world, Wang said its development will provide support and opportunities for all developing countries, including Timor-Leste. China is ready to establish an agricultural cooperation working group with Timor-Leste, deepen sub-national exchanges, participate in infrastructure construction in Timor-Leste, expand personnel exchanges, and strengthen cooperation in such fields as culture, education, vocational training, tourism and sports.
Freitas said that bilateral relations between Timor-Leste and China have always developed on the basis of mutual trust and mutual benefits. Timor-Leste upholds the one-China principle firmly and is committed to strengthening friendly cooperation with China.
He added that Timor-Leste sincerely thanks the Chinese government and people for their selfless support of Timor-Leste’s efforts to achieve national independence, economic and social development, and to maintain national stability. Timor-Leste looks forward to working with China to enhance high-level exchanges and promote the implementation of more projects under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, with the aim of achieving the greater development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Top Chinese diplomat stresses China-ASEAN, China-Vietnam cooperation
NANNING, April 6 (Xinhua) — Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Friday stressed the continuous strengthening of the construction of border ports and continuously injecting new impetus to promote Guangxi’s high-level opening-up and China-ASEAN cooperation, and facilitate the building of dual circulation of domestic and international markets.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour of South China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
During the inspection, Wang visited relevant projects of China-ASEAN and China-Vietnam cooperation.
Wang said that it is necessary to actively serve the building of a China-ASEAN community with a shared future, jointly promote the Belt and Road cooperation, continuously polish the golden brand of the China-ASEAN Expo, and build a major international channel open to ASEAN.
Wang stressed that Guangxi should strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Vietnam, consolidate the public opinion and social foundation for China-Vietnam friendship, continuously improve cross-border infrastructure connectivity, strive to build a border port featuring wisdom and convenience, complex development, friendly exchanges, and comprehensive security, and make greater contributions to building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Wang said that more efforts will be made to help Guangxi promote external connectivity, train more foreign affairs talents, strengthen international exchanges and cooperation, and help Guangxi accelerate high-quality development.
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