Following his October 9-12 visit to Laos, where he also took part in a series of regional meetings, Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Vietnam from October 12-14, at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart, Pham Minh Chinh. It was Li Qiang’s first visit to the country since he assumed office and the first by a Chinese Premier in 11 years. Moreover, the visit marks a further chapter in the current intense program of high-level bilateral exchanges between the two socialist neighbours.
In his statement on arrival, Li Qiang said that the traditional friendship between China and Vietnam has a long and enduring history, adding that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, bilateral relations have been developing steadily.
Since the beginning of the year, the two countries have maintained close high-level exchanges and achieved fruitful cooperation in various fields, and the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future has started well.
In August, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese President, held talks with To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Vietnamese President, when the two leaders made a strategic blueprint for comprehensively advancing the China-Vietnam community with a shared future under the new circumstances, charting the course for further development of bilateral relations.
In the face of accelerated changes unseen in a century and growing global risks and challenges, China and Vietnam, as companions of socialism, should strengthen unity and coordination and join hands to promote peace and seek common development, Li said.
On the evening of his arrival, To Lam received the Chinese Premier.
Welcoming Li’s first visit to Vietnam as the Premier of China, Lam stressed that the visit is of important significance, as it helps develop the relationship between the two Parties and the two countries in a deeper and more substantive and comprehensive direction, meeting the aspirations and common interests of the two countries’ people, for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
On the occasion of the 75th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, he congratulated the Chinese Party, State, and people on their significant achievements, especially the successful implementation of the reform and open-door policy, which has led to many important accomplishments in socio-economic development.
“Vietnam always considers the development of relations with China as a top priority in its foreign policy,” he stressed.
Congratulating the Vietnamese people on their important achievements under the leadership of the CPV, the Chinese Premier emphasised that his country regards the development of relations with Vietnam as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and affirmed that the Chinese Party and Government consistently support Vietnam’s renewal, development, and socialist construction.
In an atmosphere of friendship and trust, the leaders informed each other about the situation of each Party and each country. Lam briefed his guest on major positive results in socio-economic development, Party building and rectification, and the fight against corruption and negative phenomena in Vietnam in the past time, as well as preparations for the 14th National Congress of the CPV, which is identified as an important milestone, opening a new era – the era for realising the goal of successfully building socialism.
Host and guest also reviewed the outstanding achievements in bilateral cooperation in the past time, showing their delight at the important and comprehensive progress of the Vietnam-China relationship. They emphasised that the two sides have seriously and actively implemented the important high-level common perceptions reached during the historic visits of late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping in 2022 and 2023 respectively; and the state visit to China by General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and State President To Lam to China in line with the “six major goals” (stronger political trust, more substantial cooperation in defence-security, deeper and more practical cooperation, more solid social foundation, closer multilateral coordination, and better management and settlement of differences).
Lam and Li agreed to maintain regular exchanges at all levels, especially the high level; effectively promote the channels of party diplomacy, state diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy; boost cooperation in the fields of defence, security, and foreign affairs; together respond effectively to non-traditional security challenges; and improve the effectiveness of existing mechanisms between the two countries and expand the implementation of new mechanisms.
The top Vietnamese leader said Vietnam welcomes and is willing to create favourable conditions for Chinese enterprises to invest in large-scale, advanced technology projects in Vietnam, representing China’s development level and bringing practical benefits to both nations and their people. The Chinese Premier emphasised that China will further open its market to Vietnamese agricultural products and support the neighbouring country in establishing trade promotion offices in China.
Li Qiang met his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh on October 13.
Congratulating the Chinese Party, Government and fraternal people on their achievements over the past 75 years, Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to strengthening and developing its friendly and cooperative relations with China, considering it a consistent policy, an objective requirement, a strategic choice, and a top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy.
Li expressed his delight at paying the first official visit to Vietnam in his position as the Premier, stressing that China highly evaluates its relationship with Vietnam and always considers Vietnam a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy policy.
Regarding the bilateral cooperation in the coming time, they agreed to effectively realise the common perceptions reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and nations; continue consolidating political trust and maintaining regular meetings and exchanges at all levels. They committed to enhancing mechanisms for exchanges and cooperation, particularly in diplomacy, national defence and public security; promoting practical cooperation in key areas, increasing people-to-people exchanges, and reinforcing the solid social foundation for the development of the Vietnam-China relations.
The two sides exchanged sincere and straightforward views on maritime issues, and agreed to continue to strictly implement the high-level common perceptions and the agreement on basic principles guiding the resolution of maritime issues between Vietnam and China, appropriately managing differences, and actively seeking mutually-acceptable, fundamental, and long-term solutions in line with the agreement on basic principles guiding the resolution of maritime issues and international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They agreed to avoid actions that could complicate the situation and to maintain stability at sea together, while effectively implementing negotiation mechanisms on maritime issues, and actively promoting cooperation in less sensitive areas as well as search and rescue operations at sea.
Li Qiang also met with Tran Thanh Man, Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, on October 13. He also paid tribute to late Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum.
The two countries released a joint statement on the results of Li Qiang’s visit.
Reviewing the development of the relations between the two Parties and countries, the leaders said that during the past struggles for national independence and liberation, they supported each other, forming the close Vietnam-China relationship featuring “camaraderie plus brotherhood”.
During the period of reform, they have stepped up exchanges, experience sharing, and mutually beneficial cooperation, for the sake of their people.
Host leaders shared the belief that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China Central Committee led by Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, China will successfully turn itself into a great modern socialist country and achieve its second centenary goal.
The Chinese side also congratulated Vietnam on its achievements over the past time, and noted the belief that under the sound leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee headed by General Secretary and President Lam, the Vietnamese people will successfully implement the goals and tasks set at the 13th National Party Congress, and organise the 14th congress in 2026, reaching the status of a socialist-oriented developed country with high income by 2045.
China affirmed its support for Vietnam’s efforts for prosperous development, the happiness of its people, a strong, independent, and self-reliant economy, comprehensive promotion of reform, industrialisation, modernisation, international integration, the expansion of its foreign relations, and its enhanced role for peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region and the world.
They reaffirmed their commitment to the motto of “friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability, and looking towards the future,” the spirit of being “good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, and good partners,” and “six major goals”, comprising stronger political trust, more substantial cooperation in defence and security, deeper and more practical cooperation, more solid social foundation, closer multilateral coordination, and better management and settlement of differences. These efforts are intended to accelerate the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples and contributing to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world at large.
The Vietnamese side affirmed its consistency in the “One China” policy, and its recognition that there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an integral part of the Chinese territory, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. It also held that the issues of Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet are internal affairs of China, expressing its belief that under the leadership of the Chinese Party and Government, those regions will stay stable and prosper.
The two sides agreed to augment defence and security cooperation, one of the important pillars of the bilateral relations. They concurred to further increase all-level exchanges between the two countries’ armies, continue to deepen collaboration in border defence and well deploy joint patrols in the Gulf of Tonkin and mutual visits by military vessels, and intensify the exchange and cooperation mechanisms between the countries’ navies and coast guards.
They affirmed that they will preserve the traditional friendship, keep in mind the common ideals and missions, and persistently promote the Vietnam-China friendship. They will effectively coordinate in organising activities within the framework of the “Year of Vietnam-China People-to-People Exchange 2025”, as well as those to mark the 75th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations, thus enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries, especially the young generation.
Immediately prior to Li Qiang’s visit, from October 9-12, a delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam led by Luong Cuong, Politburo member and permanent member of the CPV Central Committee’s Secretariat, paid a working visit to China.
At a meeting on October 11 with Xi Jinping, Cuong said he believes that the Chinese people, under leadership of the CPC with Xi as the core, will achieve the goals set at the 20th CPC Party Congress.
He said that further strengthening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the building of a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance in line with the 16-word motto (friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-lasting stability and looking toward the future) and the “four goods” spirit (good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, and good partners) and six major orientations is an objective requirement, a strategic choice and a top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy. The six major orientations comprise stronger political trust, more substantial cooperation in defence and security, deeper and more practical cooperation, more solid social foundation, closer multilateral coordination, and better management and settlement of differences.
On the same day, the delegation also held talks with Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee.
Cai noted that China is willing to join hands with Vietnam to create broad prospects for the cause of socialism, adding that the two sides should carry forward their tradition of high-level exchange and enhance political mutual trust, strengthen exchange between theoretical departments, and deepen mutual governance experience learning. They should also deepen cooperation in fields such as culture, tourism, education, health and media, and support each other firmly on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, he added.
The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and Nhân Dân.
Chinese premier arrives in Vietnam for official visit
HANOI, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived here on Saturday for an official visit to Vietnam, at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart, Pham Minh Chinh.
The traditional friendship between China and Vietnam has a long and enduring history, Li said, adding that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, bilateral relations have been developing steadily.
Since the beginning of the year, the two countries have maintained close high-level exchanges and achieved fruitful cooperation in various fields, and the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future has started well, Li said.
In August, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, held talks with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, when the two leaders made a strategic blueprint for comprehensively advancing the China-Vietnam community with a shared future under the new circumstances, charting the course for further development of bilateral relations, Li said.
In the face of accelerated changes unseen in a century and growing global risks and challenges, China and Vietnam, as companions of socialism, should strengthen unity and coordination and join hands to promote peace and seek common development, Li said.
Li pointed out that China has always prioritized its relations with Vietnam in its neighborhood diplomacy, and that China is ready to work with Vietnam to carry forward their traditional friendship, strengthen strategic communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, consolidate popular support, and push forward the building of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future to deepen and achieve solid progress, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples and make greater contributions to peace, stability, prosperity and development of the region and the world at large.
Vietnam is the second stop on Li’s ongoing Asia tour. Prior to this, he visited Laos, where he participated in a series of leaders’ meetings on East Asia cooperation and conducted an official visit.
Top leader welcomes Chinese Premier in Hanoi
Oct 12 (Nhan Dan) — General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam on October 12 evening met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who is on a three-day official visit to Vietnam.
Welcoming Li’s first visit to Vietnam as the Premier of China, Lam stressed that the visit is of important significance, as it helps develop the relationship between the two Parties and the two countries in a deeper and more substantive and comprehensive direction, meeting the aspirations and common interests of the two countries’ people, for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
On the occasion of the 75th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, he congratulated the Chinese Party, State, and people on their significant achievements, especially the successful implementation of the reform and open-door policy, which has led to many important accomplishments in socio-economic development.
Especially in the 10 years of the new era since the Communist Party of China (CPC)’s 18th Congress, under the core leadership of General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President Xi Jinping, China has achieved its first centenary goal, Lam said, believing that the country will successfully realise the visions and goals of the 20th Party Congress, as well as over 300 reform measures to promote Chinese-style modernisation outlined at the third plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee, towards the realisation of the second centenary goal.
“Vietnam always considers the development of relations with China as a top priority in its foreign policy,” he stressed.
Conveying Xi’s best wishes to Lam, Li affirmed that his trip aims to implement the common perceptions reached by the highest-level leaders of the two Parties and countries in recent times, and to discuss specific measures to promote the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the Vietnam-China community with a shared future to enter a new phase of development, achieving more substantive results.
Congratulating the Vietnamese people on their important achievements under the leadership of the CPV, the Chinese Premier emphasised that his country regards the development of relations with Vietnam as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy, and affirmed that the Chinese Party and Government consistently support Vietnam’s renewal, development, and socialism construction.
In an atmosphere of friendship and trust, the leaders informed each other about the situation of each Party and each country. Lam briefed his guest on major positive results in socio-economic development, Party building and rectification, and the fight against corruption and negative phenomena in Vietnam in the past time, as well as preparations for the 14th National Congress of the CPV, which is identified as an important milestone, opening a new era – the era for realising the goal of successfully building socialism.
Host and guest also reviewed the outstanding achievements in bilateral cooperation in the past time, showing their delight at the important and comprehensive progress of the Vietnam-China relationship. They emphasised that the two sides have seriously and actively implemented the important high-level common perceptions reached during the historic visits of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping in 2022 and 2023 respectively; and the state visit to China by General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and State President To Lam to China in line with the “six major goals” (stronger political trust, more substantial cooperation in defence-security, deeper and more practical cooperation, more solid social foundation, closer multilateral coordination, and better management and settlement of differences).
These have helped formed a vibrant and effective exchange and cooperation situation at all levels, in all sectors and in all fields.
The top Vietnamese leader expressed his appreciation for Xi’s important contributions to the Vietnam-China relationship; highly valued Li’s attention and support for promoting the bilateral relations, as well as the effective and timely coordination between the two Governments and the two PMs.
Lam and Li agreed to maintain regular exchanges at all levels, especially the high level; effectively promote the channels of party diplomacy, state diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy; boost cooperation in the fields of defence, security, and foreign affairs; together respond effectively to non-traditional security challenges; and improve the effectiveness of existing mechanisms between the two countries and expand the implementation of new mechanisms.
Both sides agreed to continue directing agencies at all levels, sectors, and localities of the two countries to vigorously implement policies and measures to promote more substantive cooperation across various fields for better outcomes, boost economic and trade collaboration, ensure smooth border trade, and build the model of smart border gates as well as enhance the connection between the “Two Corridors, One Belt” framework and the “Belt and Road” Initiative, with priority given to boosting railway connectivity.
The top Vietnamese leader said Vietnam welcomes and is willing to create favourable conditions for Chinese enterprises to invest in large-scale, advanced technology projects in Vietnam, representing China’s development level and bringing practical benefits to both nations and their people. The Chinese Premier emphasised that China will further open its market to Vietnamese agricultural products and support the neighbouring country in establishing trade promotion offices in China.
Both sides also pledged to expand cooperation in science and technology, manufacturing supply chains, green development, and digital transformation. Looking toward the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year, the two sides consented to jointly organise activities during the “Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange” and strived to elevate the bilateral relations to a new stage of development, guided by the “six major goals”.
Regarding maritime issues, they agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea/ South China Sea. Lam suggested that both sides strictly implement the high-level common perceptions, direct relevant authorities to actively seek effective methods and solutions to better control and resolve disagreements, and enhance cooperation in accordance with the level of bilateral relations, based on international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Vietnamese Prime Minister holds talks with Chinese Premier
Oct 13 (Nhan Dan) — Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang after hosting an official welcome ceremony for the latter in Hanoi on October 13 morning.
PM Chinh welcomed Premier Li’s official visit to Vietnam, which is also the first by a Chinese Premier over the past 11 years. He expressed his belief that the visit would be a success, spreading the positive impact to ministries, agencies, sectors and localities of the two countries about both sides’ determination in realising the high-level perceptions and developing the bilateral relationship in a more effective, practical and comprehensive manner, thus contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world as well.
In an atmosphere of sincerity, friendship, and openness, the two leaders informed each other about the situation of each Party and each country. They deeply evaluated the implementation of common perceptions and cooperation agreements in many fields between the two countries and agreed on directions and measures to contribute to the effective implementation of the direction of “six major goals” and the building of a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and countries during high-level visits, and most recently the state visit to China by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam in August 2024.
Congratulating the Chinese Party, Government and fraternal people on their achievements over the past 75 years, PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to strengthening and developing its friendly and cooperative relations with China, considering it a consistent policy, an objective requirement, a strategic choice, and a top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy.
Li expressed his delight at paying the first official visit to Vietnam in his position as the Premier, stressing that China highly evaluates its relationship with Vietnam and always considers Vietnam a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy policy.
Both leaders noted with pleasure the significant and encouraging achievements in the bilateral friendship and cooperation, with strengthened political trust, frequent exchanges and meetings at various levels, and accelerated strategic connectivity, particularly in transport connectivity. Practical cooperation across multiple sectors has achieved concrete results, with two-way trade increasing by 21.9% in the first nine months of 2024. Tourism cooperation has also shown a robust recovery, with Chinese tourist arrivals to Vietnam reaching 2.7 million in the same period, surpassing the total number for the whole 2023. Locality-to-locality collaboration has been vibrant while multilateral coordination has become closer and more effective.
Regarding the bilateral cooperation in the coming time, they agreed to effectively realise the common perceptions reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and nations; continue consolidating political trust and maintaining regular meetings and exchanges at all levels. They committed to enhancing mechanisms for exchanges and cooperation, particularly in diplomacy, national defence and public security; promoting practical cooperation in key areas, increasing people-to-people exchanges, and reinforcing the solid social foundation for the development of the Vietnam-China relations.
The two leaders pledged to maintain close collaboration and mutual support within multilateral mechanisms and forums; and cooperate effectively in land border management. At the talks, the two prime ministers formally announced the official operation of the Ban Gioc (Vietnam) – Detian (China) waterfall scenic area from October 15, 2024.
The Vietnamese PM suggested expediting the necessary procedures to open a Vietnamese Consulate General in Chongqing as soon as possible, further advancing trade cooperation and expanding market access for high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products, including citrus fruits, pomelo, avocado, custard apple, water apple, traditional herbal medicines of plant origin, buffalo, beef, pork, livestock and poultry products, and farm-raised ornate spiny lobster. He also requested support for establishing a Vietnamese Trade Promotion Office in Haikou this year, and more offices in Chengdu (Sichuan) and Nanjing (Jiangsu) in the near future.
He called for improved customs clearance efficiency at border gates, advancing “soft connectivity” through smart customs, and launching new models for cross-border economic cooperation between Vietnam and China.
Regarding transport connectivity, Chinh called for collaboration to effectively materialise signed railway cooperation documents in order to develop a modern railway industry through preferential loans, technology transfer, and personnel training for Vietnam in service of the implementation three standard-gauge railway lines connecting northern Vietnamese localities with China, namely Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong, Lang Son – Hanoi, and Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong.
For investment cooperation, he proposed joint efforts to put in place large-scale, high-tech projects in the sectors where China has strength and Vietnam has demand, which are seen as symbols of the bilateral ties. They cover such areas as renewable energy, supporting industries, electric vehicles, international financial centres, free trade zones, smart cities, digital economy, green economy, and circular economy.
The Vietnamese PM also highlighted the need to enhance cooperation in banking, science and technology, education, culture, tourism, and environmental protection. He suggested the two sides step up the sharing of data on meteorology, hydrology, and cross-border water resources, while working together to ensure sustainable management and use of the Mekong-Lancang River water resources.
Additionally, he called for the effective implementation of scholarships for Vietnamese students, support for the establishment of a Vietnamese cultural centre in Beijing, and cooperation in building a master plan for the Year for Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange 2025.
The two countries should strengthen tourism cooperation, and create conditions for Vietnamese airports to extend flight schedules at Chinese airports, Chinh suggested.
Li expressed his support for PM Chinh’s proposals, affirming China’s readiness to work with Vietnam to foster the political foundation and practical cooperation.
He pledged that China will further open its doors for Vietnamese goods, particularly agricultural and aquatic products, and high-quality fruits, and coordinate to facilitate quarantine and customs procedures, stressing China stands ready to resolve trade policy issues to ensure sustainable and growing bilateral trade.
The Premier suggested the two nations enhance strategic connectivity, especially in transport infrastructure; promote cooperation in economy, trade, and investment, especially in manufacturing, processing, agriculture, supply and production chain maintenance, and vocational training; and expand finance-monetary collaboration, making the bilateral cooperation more effective and practical.
The Chinese leader said the two sides should work to ensure the success of the Year for Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange 2025, and strengthen the social foundation, and expressed his support for stronger tourism cooperation, locality-to-locality exchange, and opening more two-way flights.
The two sides exchanged sincere and straightforward views on maritime issues, and agreed to continue strictly implement the high-level common perceptions and the agreement on basic principles guiding the resolution of maritime issues between Vietnam and China, appropriately managing differences, and actively seeking mutually-acceptable, fundamental, and long-term solutions in line with the agreement on basic principles guiding the resolution of maritime issues and international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They agreed to avoid actions that could complicate the situation and to maintain stability at sea together, while effectively implementing negotiation mechanisms on maritime issues, and actively promoting cooperation in less sensitive areas as well as search and rescue operations at sea.
Chinh called on both sides to respect each other’s legitimate rights and interests, resolve disputes and disagreements through peaceful means in accordance with international law, particularly the UNCLOS 1982; properly address issues related to fishermen and fishing vessels in a manner that aligns with the friendly relations between the two countries, ensuring that the East Sea/South China Sea issue does not impact the bilateral political trust and damage the sentiments and confidence of the two countries’ people.
At the end of the talks, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of 10 cooperation documents in the sectors of transport connectivity, customs, public welfare, education, agricultural product trade, media, and banking.
The documents included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport and China’s National Development and Reform Commission on technical plans for rail connectivity between Vietnam’s Lao Cai station and China’s Hekou North station; the working minutes between Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport and the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) on a feasibility study for a project to build the planning schemes for the Dong Dang – Hanoi and Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong standard-gauge railway routes; a MoU between Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment and CIDCA on jointly promoting repairs and maintenance of the Vietnam-China friendship palace; and another MoU on strengthening human resource development cooperation under the Global Development Initiative.
The other MoUs also included those between Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, and China’s Ministry of Commerce on enhancing cooperation in building sustainable agricultural supply chains, and on establishing a working group to study a model for the development of cross-border economic cooperation zones between Vietnam and China; an action plan between the two countries’ customs agencies, focusing on mutual recognition of Vietnam’s priority enterprise programme and China’s Authorized Economic Operator programme.
The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of other MoUs covering cooperation between the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and the China Central Television (CCTV) and between the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and Peking University, and an MoU between the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS) and UnionPay International regarding the implementation of QR code-based cross-border payment services between Vietnam and China.
Vietnam, China issue joint statement
Oct 14 (Nhan Dan) — Vietnam and China issued a joint statement on the occasion of Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s official visit to the neighbouring country on October 12-14 at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
According to the joint statement, during his stay in Vietnam, Premier Li met with Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, and held talks with PM Chinh.
In an atmosphere of sincerity and friendship, the two sides held in-depth discussions and reached broad common perceptions on promoting the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of shared concern.
Reviewing the development of the relations between the two Parties and countries, the leaders said during the past struggles for national independence and liberation, they supported each other, forming the close Vietnam-China relationship featuring “camaraderie plus brotherhood”.
During the period of reform, they have stepped up exchanges, experience sharing, and mutually beneficial cooperation, for the sake of their people, the leaders continued.
The sides stressed the need to carry forward the traditional friendship, continue deepening and strengthening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and work together to build the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, while pushing the relations between the two Parties and countries to a new height.
Host leaders shared the belief that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China Central Committee led by Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, China will successfully turn itself into a great modern socialist country and achieve its second centenary goal.
The Chinese side also congratulated Vietnam on its achievements over the past time, and noted the belief that under the sound leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee headed by General Secretary and President Lam, the Vietnamese people will successfully implement goals and tasks set at the 13th National Party Congress, and organise the 14th congress in 2026, reaching the status of a socialist-oriented developed country with high income by 2045.
China affirmed its support for Vietnam’s efforts for prosperous development, the happiness of its people, a strong, independent, and self-reliant economy, comprehensive promotion of reform, industrialisation, modernisation, international integration, the expansion of its foreign relations, and its enhanced role for peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region and the world.
China said it consistently views Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy. In return, Vietnam stated that its relations with China remain a top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralism.
Both sides considered this a strategic choice and held that each country’s development presents opportunities for the other and serves as a positive factor contributing to regional and global progress.
They agreed to fully implement the key common perceptions reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and countries, as well as previous joint statements.
They reaffirmed their commitment to the motto of “friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability, and looking towards the future,” the spirit of being “good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, and good partners,” and “six major goals”, comprising stronger political trust, more substantial cooperation in defence – security, deeper and more practical cooperation, more solid social foundation, closer multilateral coordination, and better management and settlement of differences. These efforts are intended to accelerate the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples and contributing to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world at large.
The two sides agreed to maintain high-level strategic discussions, particularly between the top leaders of the two Parties and countries, to guide the development of the Vietnam – China relations.
The two Governments will enhance directing ministries, sectors, and localities to realise the high-level common perceptions and promote important cooperation in different fields more fruitfully. The special role of the Party-to-Party relations will be fully brought into play. The two sides will actively and effectively implement the cooperation agreement signed in April 2024 between the National Assembly of Vietnam and the National People’s Congress of China. Meanwhile, friendship exchanges and cooperation between the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference will be boosted.
They also agreed to promote the general coordinating role of the Steering Committee for Vietnam – China Bilateral Cooperation in ordering ministries, sectors, and localities to step up the building of the Vietnam – China community with a shared future. Mechanisms and forms of discussion and cooperation in such strategic areas as diplomacy, national defence, and security will be fostered.
The Vietnamese side affirmed its consistency in the “One China” policy, and its recognition that there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an integral part of the Chinese territory, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. It also held that the issues of Hong Kong, Xingang, and Tibet are internal affairs of China, expressing its belief that under the leadership of the Chinese Party and Government, those regions will stay stable and prosper.
The Chinese side spoke highly of these viewpoints of Vietnam and voiced support for the latter’s sustained social stability, national security, development, and national solidarity.
The two sides agreed to augment defence-security cooperation, one of the important pillars of the bilateral relations. They concurred to further increase all-level exchanges between the two countries’ armies, continue to deepen collaboration in border defence and well deploy joint patrols in the Gulf of Tonkin and mutual visits by military vessels, and intensify the exchange and cooperation mechanisms between the countries’ navies and coast guards.
Vietnam and China were unanimous in properly bringing into play such mechanisms as the ministerial-level meeting on anti-crime cooperation, the strategic security dialogue at the deputy minister level, and the dialogue on political security at the deputy minister level, while effectively carrying out cooperation in the fields of security, intelligence, counter-terrorism, and cross-border crime combat.
In addition, they agreed to promote the connection of the two countries’ development strategies, properly implement the cooperation plan on connecting the “Two Corridors, One Belt” framework with the “Belt and Road” initiative, and accelerate the countries’ connectivity in terms of railway, expressway, and border gate infrastructure.
The two sides will encourage and support capable and reputable enterprises with advanced technology to invest in each other’s countries, with a focus on high-tech agriculture, infrastructure, clean energy, digital economy, and green development. They are set to create a fair and favourable business environment for each other’s enterprises. They will also share experience in state-owned enterprise reform and management, carry out cooperation in human resources training, and actively consider stronger collaboration in terms of important minerals.
The two sides agreed to promote the role of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA); make good use of e-commerce platforms and exhibitions; strengthen customs cooperation, expand the export of key goods of one country to the other.
They will also enhance the role of their joint working group for e-commerce cooperation and boost e-commerce cooperation between their enterprises. China welcomes Vietnam to organise trade promotion activities in China.
The two sides will promote the early signing of the Protocol on exports from Vietnam to China such as chili, passion fruit, raw bird’s nest, processed bird’s nest. China is ready to continue to create favourable conditions to open its market for Vietnamese agricultural products such as citrus fruits, avocado, custard-apple, rose apple, medicinal herbs, buffalo meat, beef, pork, and products from livestock and poultry. China is also willing to facilitate Vietnam’s establishment of more trade promotion offices in Haikou, Hainan province and some related localities.
Meanwhile, Vietnam supports China’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in accordance with the standards and procedures of the agreement; actively welcomes the application of China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to join the RCEP.
The two sides agreed to strengthen agricultural cooperation, promote cooperation in cultivation and agricultural processing. They will also strengthen cooperation in meteorology and natural disaster prevention and mitigation, exchange of hydrological data during flood season, integrated water resources management, flood/drought prevention, and irrigation science and technology, among others.
They affirmed that they will preserve the traditional friendship, keep in mind the common ideals and missions, and persistently promote the Vietnam-China friendship. They will effectively coordinate in organising activities within the framework of the ” Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange 2025”, as well as those to mark the 75th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations, thus enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries, especially the young generation.
The two sides agreed to effectively implement scholarship programmes for Vietnamese students, and encourage student exchanges, while enhancing collaboration in vocational education and exchanges between their universities and research institutes, and promoting the role of the Chinese Cultural Centre in Vietnam.
They also affirmed to strengthen multilateral cooperation in line with the process of building the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance; persistently uphold multilateralism, the “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence” and basic norms of international relations. They agreed to advance cooperation within major initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative.
They were committed to promoting exchanges and collaboration in human rights based on equality and mutual respect, advocating for enhanced dialogues and international cooperation in this field, while firmly opposing the “politicisation,” “instrumentalisation”, and double standards in human rights issues, as well as human rights abuse for interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.
The two sides also consented to strengthen coordination within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and support each other’s candidacies at international organisations. China expressed its support for Vietnam’s bid to host APEC Year in 2027 and welcomes the country to join in and promote its role at multilateral mechanisms.
China said it backs ASEAN’s efforts in building a cohesive, united, resilient, and developed community, and in maintaining its centrality in the evolving regional architecture. China will work together with ASEAN nations to promote the initiative on the establishment of the “Five Common Homes” featuring peace, security, prosperity, beauty, and friendship. The two sides also appreciated the substantive progress in the negotiations for the version 3.0 of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area.
The sides agreed to enhance cooperation within the Mekong-Lancang cooperation framework, make efforts to build a community with a shared future among Mekong-Lancang countries, for peace and prosperity. They also aimed to strengthen cooperation within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) framework.
They shared the view that relations between countries must adhere to the United Nations Charter, international law, and the basic norms governing international relations, emphasising mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, win-win cooperation, and respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They said disagreements should be persistently resolved through peaceful means.
For maritime issues, the leaders stressed the need to better control and settle disagreements, and maintain peace and stability in the East Sea and the region. They agreed to abide by the common perceptions reached by the high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and countries, and to seek acceptable, long-term solutions in line with the Vietnam-China Agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues and international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
They committed to avoiding actions that could complicate the situation or escalate disputes, to maintaining stability at sea, and to advancing discussions on joint development at sea and the delimitation of the waters beyond the mouth of the Gulf of Tonkin. The sides agreed to enhance cooperation in less sensitive sea-related areas, and search and rescue operations at sea.
The two sides will continue to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and work towards an early conclusion of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea in line with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
They concurred to maximise the Vietnam-China Land Border Joint Committee and Cooperation Committee on Vietnam-China Land Border Gate Management, ensure the effective implementation of the three legal documents on land border between the two countries and related agreements.
During the Chinese leader’s visit, the two sides signed numerous cooperation agreements in areas such as transport connectivity, customs, social welfare, education, agricultural trade, media, and banking.
The two sides expressed their satisfaction with the results of Premier Li’s visit to Vietnam, saying it has played a role in advancing the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Vietnamese, Chinese Parties strengthen relations
Oct 12 (Nhan Dan) — A delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) led by Luong Cuong, Politburo member and permanent member of the CPV Central Committee’s Secretariat, is on a working visit to China from October 9-12 to realise the common perceptions reached by the high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and countries in recent times.
At a meeting on October 11 with Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of China, Cuong said he believes that the Chinese people, under leadership of the CPC with Xi as the “core”, will achieve the goals set at the 20th CPC Party Congress.
He said that further strengthening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the building of a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance in line with the 16-word motto (friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-lasting stability and looking toward the future) and the “four goods” spirit (good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, and good partners) and six major orientations is an objective requirement, a strategic choice and a top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy. The six major orientations comprise stronger political trust, more substantial cooperation in defence – security, deeper and more practical cooperation, more solid social foundation, closer multilateral coordination, and better management and settlement of differences.
Xi congratulated the Vietnamese people on their comprehensive achievements in recent times, affirming that the Party, State, and people of China place great importance on relations with Vietnam, considering the development of the ties a priority in their neighbourhood diplomacy policy. He said China is ready to work with Vietnam to maintain high-level exchanges and contacts and promote cooperation in all fields and via all channels.
The Chinese leader suggested that the two sides promote the efficiency of cooperation and exchange mechanisms on the Party channel; deploy the dialogue mechanism in defence-security; strengthen practical cooperation and high-quality connections, especially for railways, border gates, infrastructure construction, state-owned enterprise development, and environmental protection, including new fields like digital economy, green development, and natural disaster prevention and mitigation.
The two sides should coordinate to organise diverse collaboration and exchange activities on the occasion of 75th anniversary of their bilateral diplomatic ties next year, he noted.
At their talks, Cuong and Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, member of the Committee’s Secretariat and Chief of the Committee’s Office, exchanged views on specific measures to implement the common perceptions reached by the high-ranking leaders and the agreements between the two Parties and countries.
At the talks and meetings, the leaders of the two parties have agreed to deepen and elevate the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and build a Vietnam-China community with a shared futures of strategic significance. In particular, the recent State visit of General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President To Lam to China has brought bilateral relations into a new stage of development. They consented that economic cooperation has grown rapidly in recent times, becoming a bright spot in bilateral relations. Collaboration between localities, especially border provinces, of the two countries has been vibrant and substantive.
The Chinese leaders expressed their desire to promote cooperation in traditional fields and expand it into new areas, aiming to increase China’s imports of Vietnamese agricultural products and encourage Chinese enterprises to boost investment in Vietnam.
Cuong suggested that the two sides well control and resolve differences in the spirit of frankness, sincerity and friendship, focus on stabilising the situation at sea, and respect each other’s legitimate rights and interests in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
While in China, the CPV delegation met with the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Beijing, held an exchange with leading Chinese experts to learn about China’s theoretical and practical issues relating to building a new quality productive force and digital transformation in Party agencies.
Senior CPC, CPV officials hold talks in Beijing
BEIJING, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) — Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Cai Qi held talks with Luong Cuong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and a permanent member of the CPV Central Committee Secretariat, in Beijing on Friday.
Cai, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, said that the important consensus reached by leaders of the two parties and two countries on the construction of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future has charted the course for the development of bilateral relations. China stands ready to work with Vietnam to take practical measures to promote the implementation of the important consensus.
Cai noted that China is willing to join hands with Vietnam to create broad prospects for the cause of socialism, adding that the two sides should carry forward their tradition of high-level exchange and enhance political mutual trust, strengthen exchange between theoretical departments, and deepen mutual governance experience learning. They should also deepen cooperation in fields such as culture, tourism, education, health and media, and support each other firmly on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, he added.
Luong Cuong said that the CPV and the Vietnamese government attach great importance to relations with China, considering its relations with China as an objective need, strategic choice and priority in its foreign policy. He said that the Vietnamese side is willing to work with China to fully leverage party-to-party channels and implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both parties and countries.
Vietnam adheres firmly to the one-China principle, and is willing to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China to contribute to regional and world peace and development, Luong Cuong said.
