Vietnam Archives - Friends of Socialist China

Chinese and Vietnamese Defence Ministers commemorate Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea

Following the First Ministerial Meeting of the China-Vietnam “3+3” Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy, Defence and Public Security held in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on March 16, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun led a programme of joint military-related activities with his Vietnamese counterpart Phan Van Giang.

The 10th Vietnam – China Border Defence Friendship Exchange got underway on March 18, launching a two-day programme aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries. Events were held in Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province on the first day and in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region the following day.

In Quang Ninh, activities began with a welcome ceremony for the Chinese defence minister at the Mong Cai International Border Gate. The two ministers then took part in a range of joint engagements, including a friendship tree-planting ceremony at the border gate, the start of work on a medical station in Hai Son commune, and visits to the Tran Phu High School and Tra Co Border Guard Station.

In China, the main activities included a welcome ceremony for the Vietnamese delegation at the Dongxing International Border Gate; a visit by the two defence ministers to a border guard company, where they also planted friendship trees; and the launch of a joint patrol and training exercise in the Gulf of Tonkin.

The two sides also visited an exhibition wall highlighting the starting point of the Ho Chi Minh Sea Trail, as well as local enterprises. In addition, they laid wreaths at a monument to fallen soldiers of the Vietnam – China people’s revolutionary forces, before a farewell ceremony for the Vietnamese delegation at the Dongxing International Border Gate.

Another highlight of this year’s exchange was the joint patrol and training exercise in the Gulf of Tonkin involving the two countries’ navies.

The two defence ministers held talks on March 18.

Reviewing a decade of the exchange since its launch in 2014, the Vietnamese minister described the mechanism as a bright spot in bilateral defence relations, evolving steadily in both scope and substance. Initially focused on military-to-military activities, the programme has expanded to include local authorities and mass organisations, with regular initiatives such as free medical services for border residents and cultural exchanges among communities and students on both sides. Notably, this year’s edition marks the first time the two navies have conducted joint training activities.

For his part, Dong expressed thanks to the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence for its thorough preparations and warm reception. He noted that both ministers had recently participated in the first “3+3” strategic dialogue, where defence cooperation was a key topic of discussion. Affirming that relations between the two countries and their militaries have continued to grow stronger, Dong emphasised the need to expand exchanges to contribute to regional and global stability. Since its inception in 2014, the border defence friendship exchange has fostered goodwill and driven forward bilateral ties, while playing an important role in maintaining border security, he emphasised.

China and Vietnam initiate strategic dialogue as “an indispensable and pivotal move towards rejuvenating the global socialist cause”

In a highly significant move to strengthen the unity and solidarity between the socialist countries on both a strategic and tactical level in the face of the present capricious international situation, as well as with a view to advancing the global socialist cause, China and Vietnam held the First Ministerial Meeting of the China-Vietnam “3+3” Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy, Defence and Public Security in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on March 16.

The meeting was jointly chaired by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, and Minister of National Defence Dong Jun, together with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, Defence Minister Phan Van Giang and Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang. Centred on the theme “Coordinating Development and Security, Advancing on the Socialist Road with Unwavering Commitment, and Forging United Fronts to Confront Shared Challenges,” the two sides engaged in an in-depth exchange of views regarding the dynamic shifts in the global landscape, the maintenance of political security, and the advancement of defence and law enforcement cooperation.

Wang Yi remarked that last year, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Vietnam, where he forged pivotal consensus with Vietnamese leaders on convening the ministerial meeting of the China-Vietnam “3+3” strategic dialogue. This mechanism stands as a groundbreaking and vital strategic communication platform, jointly pioneered by both nations in the global arena. It is a major measure with strategic significance, designed to safeguard the security of political systems and deepen strategic collaboration. It stands not merely as an intrinsic facet in propelling the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, but also as an indispensable and pivotal move towards rejuvenating the global socialist cause.

Wang Yi stated that the contemporary global landscape is beset by intertwined turmoil and chaos, with the international architecture undergoing accelerated realignment, while unilateral bullying gets more rampant. Conversely, the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics is advancing with strides, witnessing the smooth commencement of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Simultaneously, Vietnam has ushered in a new epoch of national development, accelerating the implementation of the resolutions of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The stability and development of both China and Vietnam will manifest to the world the distinct superiority of the socialist system, the robust vitality of the socialist cause, and the bright prospects for human development and progress.

Wang Yi emphasised that as friendly socialist neighbours, China and Vietnam must not only focus on the fundamental well-being of their peoples, effectively coordinate the dual imperatives of development and security, and steadfastly pursue their respective development paths, but also keep foremost in mind the shared interests of all humanity, steer the correct direction of historical progress, and jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world, and an economic globalisation that is inclusive and beneficial to all through the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future carrying strategic significance.

Wang Xiaohong stated that the public security departments of the two nations must focus on the overarching goal of “six mores,” prioritising political security and enhance efforts to prevent and resist “colour revolutions.” Strategic planning should be placed at the forefront, serving as a catalyst to galvanise a formidable and united front. Moreover, we should anchor efforts in the people’s interests, pursuing more tangible and substantive cooperation outcomes to effectively bolster the respective socialist endeavours of the two countries and the construction of a strategically significant China-Vietnam community with a shared future.

Dong Jun stated that, confronted with unprecedented external security risks and challenges, the armed forces of China and Vietnam, steadfastly under the absolute leadership of their respective Communist Parties, shoulder a profound and sacred duty in fortifying the Party’s enduring governance and safeguarding the socialist red regime. Under the guidance of the supreme leaders of both parties, they must unite to forge a strong defence and security shield. China stands ready to collaborate closely with Vietnam, continuously deepening mutual trust in military security, further expand cooperation areas, improve the quality and effectiveness of cooperation, jointly safeguard maritime security and stability through positive interaction, and push bilateral defence exchanges and cooperation to a new level, setting an example of unity and self-reliance for the armed forces of socialist countries.

China and Vietnam exchange special envoys

Following the successful conclusion of its 14^th National Congress, the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) has intensified its strategic coordination with its Chinese counterpart with an exchange of special envoys between the two parties.

First, Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), visited Vietnam as the Special Envoy of General Secretary Xi Jinping.

Liu met with To Lam, General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee, in Hanoi on January 30.

According to the website of the IDCPC, Liu delivered a congratulatory letter from General Secretary Xi Jinping to To Lam and conveyed Xi’s sincere greetings and best wishes to him. Liu said, China warmly congratulates Vietnam on the successful convening of the 14th National Congress of the CPV and Comrade To Lam on his re-election as General Secretary of the CPV. China is willing to work with Vietnam to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the general secretaries of the two Parties, adhere to the six overarching goals of “stronger political mutual trust, more substantive security cooperation, deeper practical cooperation, more solid popular foundation, closer coordination and collaboration on multilateral affairs, and better management and resolution of differences”, firmly safeguard the security of governance, intensify high-level exchanges, enhance political mutual trust, expand common interests, jointly uphold international justice, and promote the continuous development of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future.

The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) added that, welcoming the special envoy, General Secretary Lam emphasised that the visit carries profound political significance, reflecting the high priority, deep respect, and sincere friendship of the Chinese party, state, and people towards their Vietnamese counterparts, as well as the long-standing solidarity and close bonds between the two Communist Parties.

He appreciated the very positive outcomes of the phone talks with General Secretary and President Xi immediately after the CPV’s 14th National Congress, which created a favourable starting point for relations between the two Parties and countries in the new term and Vietnam’s new development era.

Sharing with the special envoy the important outcomes of the 14th National Party Congress, the party chief underscored that its success marked a turning point and a particularly important milestone determining Vietnam’s future development in the new era. The congress not only reviewed the past five years and summed up 40 years of renewal, set goals and tasks for the next five years, but also shaped strategic mindset, vision, and long-term development orientations toward the mid-21st century. Vietnam will continue to play an active and responsible role in maintaining peace, stability, and development in the region and the world, he stressed.

On the same day, Liu Haixing held the first meeting of the mechanism for meetings between the Minister of the IDCPC and the Secretary of the Party Committee of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Le Hoai Trung, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPV, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.

The IDCPC reported Liu as saying that the two sides should walk hand in hand on the path of socialist modernisation and jointly create a brighter future for China and Vietnam, contributing positive energy to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

For his part, Le Hoai Trung thanked Special Envoy Liu Haixing for coming to Vietnam to extend congratulations. He said, Vietnam and China are like-minded partners on the socialist path. Vietnam always regards its relations with China as an objective requirement, strategic choice and top priority of its foreign policy. The development of bilateral relations is of great strategic significance to the socialist cause of the two countries. Under the new circumstances, Vietnam is willing to work with China to strengthen high-level exchanges between the two parties, deepen exchanges and mutual learning of experience in state governance and administration, expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and jointly build a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

Chinese and Vietnamese leaders discuss after Vietnamese party congress

Following the 14^th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, held phone talks with To Lam, who was re-elected General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee at the first meeting of the incoming central committee immediately following the congress, on January 26.

According to the report published by the Xinhua News Agency, Xi expressed his congratulations over the successful convening of the 14^th congress and To Lam’s re-election as General Secretary of the CPV. He expressed his belief that under the leadership of the CPV Central Committee headed by To Lam, Vietnam will surely fulfill the goals and tasks set forth by the 14th National Congress and realise at an early date the two goals set for the centenary of the party (2030) and the country (2045) respectively.

Xi added that China and Vietnam should keep to their paths and not sway in their commitment, unite and cooperate to promote development, and work together towards a bright future. They should hold firm to their beliefs, uphold fundamental principles and break new ground, fend off and defuse various risks and challenges, jointly defend the cause of socialism, and preserve the political essence of China-Vietnam relations.

He also urged the two sides to strengthen coordination and collaboration in international and regional affairs, jointly oppose hegemonism and bloc confrontation, and work together to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

For his part, To Lam expressed appreciation to the CPC Central Committee for the congratulatory message on the successful convening of the 14th National Congress of the CPV and thanked General Secretary Xi for the good wishes on his re-election as General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee.

He outlined the main outcomes of the congress and said that Vietnam is willing to work side by side with China on a new journey and steadily deepen friendly cooperation between neighbouring socialist countries.

Xi congratulates Vietnamese counterpart on re-election

Following the conclusion of the 14^th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the first meeting of the newly elected Central Committee was held on the morning of January 23. The meeting unanimously re-elected To Lam to the position of General Secretary.

Extending congratulations to his Vietnamese counterpart, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that the successful convening of the 14th National Congress of the CPV has opened a new era in Vietnam’s national development, and will inspire and promote the development of the global socialist movement.

He described China and Vietnam as friendly socialist neighbours and as a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, adding that he attaches great importance to the relations between the two parties and countries, and is willing to work with To Lam to strengthen strategic communication, carry forward the traditional friendship, and firmly advance the socialist cause.

The following article was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

BEIJING, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) — Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Friday congratulated To Lam on his election as general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee.

In his message, Xi said that since the 13th National Congress of the CPV, the party has steadfastly pursued a socialist modernization path that suits Vietnam’s national conditions, upheld and strengthened the party’s overall leadership, and united and led the Vietnamese people to achieve remarkable accomplishments in the cause of socialist construction and reform, hence a continuous boost in Vietnam’s international status and influence.

CPC greets Vietnamese party congress

The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) opened its 14^th National Congress in Hanoi on January 20.

In a message of greetings sent the same day, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said that the CPV is the strong leadership core of the Vietnamese people and the cause of socialism in Vietnam. Since the 13th National Congress of the CPV, the Central Committee of the CPV has united and led the Vietnamese people in making remarkable achievements in advancing socialist construction and reform.

It added that amid complex international situations, Vietnam has maintained political and social stability, experienced rapid and sustainable economic development, and seen its international status rise steadily. These accomplishments have demonstrated the advantages of the communist party leadership and the socialist system, and have made positive contributions to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and the world.

The message further emphasised that the CPC and the government of China attach great importance to developing the relations between the two parties and countries, and are willing to work together with the Vietnamese side to adhere to the principles of “long-term stability, future orientation, good-neighbourly friendship and all-round cooperation,” and the spirit of “good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, good partners,” to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries.

The following article was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Tuesday sent a congratulatory message on the convening of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).

The CPV is the strong leadership core of the Vietnamese people and the cause of socialism in Vietnam. Since the 13th National Congress of the CPV, the Central Committee of the CPV has united and led the Vietnamese people in making remarkable achievements in advancing socialist construction and reform, read the message.

Amid complex international situations, Vietnam has maintained political and social stability, experienced rapid and sustainable economic development, and seen its international status rise steadily. These accomplishments have demonstrated the advantages of the communist party leadership and the socialist system, and have made positive contributions to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and the world, it said.

China and Vietnam successfully round off friendship year

China and Vietnam have successfully seen out 2025, designated as their Year of People-to-People Exchanges marking the 75^th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, with a varied series of activities.

Chinese and Vietnamese troops conducted a joint border patrol on December 25. Under the rotational mechanism, this joint patrol was chaired by the Chinese side. Both sides agreed to continue strengthening coordination mechanisms, jointly combating cross-border violations, promoting rapid handover mechanisms, ensuring a safe border environment, facilitating customs clearance at border gates, and enhancing friendship exchanges and cooperation.

On December 23, a special exhibition on President Ho Chi Minh in China opened at the Hongyan Revolutionary History Museum in Chongqing.

Held under the theme “The Revolutionary Path,” the exhibition is structured into four sections focusing on organisational building, the shared struggle against a common enemy and foreign aggression, mutual support, and the joint creation of a glorious chapter in history.

Featuring more than 230 historical photographs and valuable archival images, the exhibition vividly retraces President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary life while reflecting a special and memorable period in Vietnam-China relations. During his revolutionary career, President Ho Chi Minh made many visits and spent much time in China, including an important period in Hongyan village in Chongqing, which housed the Southern Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the representative office of the Eighth Route Army in Chongqing.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Consul General in Chongqing Bui Nguyen Long underlined the exhibition’s special significance as it coincides with the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations.

The exhibition, he said, will help the two peoples, particularly the younger generation, gain a deeper understanding of the heroic and illustrious chapters of Vietnam-China traditional friendship.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, the Hongyan Revolutionary History Museum, in coordination with the Vietnamese Consulate General in Chongqing, introduced a coffee product named “Comrades and Brothers.” Made from Vietnamese Robusta coffee beans sourced from Buon Ma Thuot and buffalo milk from China’s Guangxi region, the product aims to further spread the positive values of Vietnam-China relations among communities in western China.

In an interview published on December 24, Professor Wang Yong, Director of the Centre for International Political Economy at Peking University, said that Vietnam-China relations are maintaining strong and comprehensive momentum and have reached an “unprecedented height” while entering a new phase of development with prospects for broader and deeper cooperation.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in China, Wang said that since the start of 2025, the two countries have carried out a wide range of activities to mark the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, including the high-level visits and exchanges, as well as cooperation initiatives between the two sides’ ministries, sectors and localities. He noted that the high frequency of contacts at various levels reflects the strong impetus behind bilateral ties and demonstrates that overall relations are being promoted in a highly positive and substantive manner.

Looking ahead, Wang affirmed that Vietnam-China relations are entering what he described as a “golden period” of cooperation. He predicted that the two sides will continue to maintain high-level exchanges, expand partnerships in infrastructure, energy, innovation, and science and technology, while further promoting people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between localities.

On December 21, in Beijing, in an atmosphere imbued with warm friendship, the program, “Vietnam Culture Day in China” was held at the China National Opera House. This was the concluding event of a series of exchange activities marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations and the Vietnam-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2025. More than 1,000 people attended.

Chinese and Vietnamese communists discuss the path and practice of socialism in the 21st century

The Communist Parties of China and Vietnam held their 20th theory seminar in Vietnam’s northern Ninh Binh province on November 12 under the theme, “The path and practice of socialism in the 21st century.”

Both parties were represented at Politburo level. The Communist Party of China (CPC) delegation was headed by Li Shulei, Politburo member, Secretary of the CPC Central Committee’s Secretariat, and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, while the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) delegation was led by Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, Chairman of the Central Theory Council, and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics. Attending the seminar were representatives of ministries, central agencies, and localities, along with scientists, experts, and scholars from both countries, as well as the Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam.

CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping and CPV General Secretary To Lam both sent congratulatory letters to the seminar.

In the letters, the two leaders affirmed the important role of this highest-level theory exchange mechanism between the two Parties, reflecting their strategic vision, close bond, and shared responsibility in safeguarding, applying, and creatively developing Marxism-Leninism in accordance with each country’s realities, as well as demonstrating the high level of political trust between the two Parties and nations.

Xi Jinping said that both the CPC and the CPV uphold and develop Marxism, unswervingly follow the socialist path, and lead their respective countries in socialist construction, facing many of the same or similar issues of the times.

The two parties have carried out in-depth exchanges of experience in governance, jointly explored a socialist modernisation path that suits their national conditions, and worked together to promote the localisation and modernisation of Marxism and the development of the world socialist movement, constantly writing a new chapter of friendship of “comrades plus brothers” in the new era.

He also called for joint efforts to deepen theoretical discussions and academic exchanges, and to jointly enhance their understanding of the laws that underlie governance by a Communist party, socialist construction, as well as the development of human society, so as to provide theoretical support for the socialist cause of both countries and the construction of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future, and contribute to the noble cause of human peace and development.

To Lam affirmed that the CPV stands ready to work with the CPC to further deepen theory cooperation and share experiences in Party building, national development, and social governance, thereby promoting the development of socialist theory in the context of globalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, for the benefit of the peoples of both countries and for a brighter future for socialism worldwide.

At a meeting between the two heads of delegations, the host congratulated China on its recent achievements, including the successful convening of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the adoption of the orientation for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan. He reaffirmed that Vietnam always attaches great importance and gives top priority to relations with China.

Li affirmed that the CPC firmly believes in and supports the CPV in successfully organising its 14th National Congress, opening a new era of development for Vietnam. He added that China always prioritises the development of relations with Viet Nam in its neighbourhood diplomacy.

China-Vietnam relations of comrades and brothers underlined in three high-level meetings

The special relations of comrades as well as brothers between China and Vietnam, as Vietnamese communist leader Ho Chi Minh once described it in a poem, were highlighted by three recent overlapping top level exchanges between the two socialist neighbours.

From August 31-September 2, Zhao Leji, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), visited Vietnam at the invitation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Tran Thanh Man, leading a party and state delegation to events marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

When meeting with General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam, Zhao Leji conveyed General Secretary Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings and extended warm congratulations on the historic achievements made in the cause of the CPV and the country over the past 80 years. Zhao Leji stated that under the new circumstances, China is ready to work with Vietnam to fully implement the important common understandings reached between the top leaders of the two Parties and jointly advance the socialist modernisation endeavours in their respective countries, and accelerate the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

To Lam asked Zhao Leji to convey his sincere greetings to General Secretary Xi Jinping and expressed his gratitude for the tremendous assistance provided by China during various periods of Vietnam’s revolution and development. He said that under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China has achieved remarkable accomplishments in development and has become a main driving force of global economic growth.

When meeting with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, Zhao Leji conveyed President Xi Jinping’s best wishes to him, noting that China and Vietnam should respond to external uncertainties with the strengths of the socialist system, uphold and strengthen the leadership of the Communist Party, firmly support each other’s reform and development endeavours, leverage the exemplary role of mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation between China and Vietnam, jointly resist the countercurrents of unilateralism and protectionism, and defend international fairness and justice as well as the common interests of developing countries.

Zhao Leji attended the ceremony held at the Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and watched the military parade, mass pageantry and grand cultural performances. The Guard of Honour of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army was invited to participate in the military parade. The full text of General Secretary To Lam’s speech on the occasion may be read here.

Zhao Leji also paid respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and visited Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House.

Around 400 military personnel from the armed forces of China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia took part in the military parade. Receiving them on August 29, Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien extended a warm welcome and expressed gratitude to the foreign troops for their participation. He commended their determination and training efforts, noting their swift integration into rehearsals alongside the Vietnamese forces. Since their arrival, the delegations had received warm attention from both local leaders and the public, he noted.

From August 31-September 1, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Tianjin to attend the meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Chinese scholar says Vietnamese socialism is a new theoretical model for global socialism and a reference for developing countries

As the Socialist Republic of Vietnam gears up for massive celebrations marking the 80^th anniversary of the August Revolution and the September 2^nd proclamation of the then Democratic Republic of Vietnam by President Ho Chi Minh, a Chinese Marxist scholar has said that the country exemplifies the successful fusion of socialism and a market economy.

Speaking to Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondents in Beijing, Professor Dr. Pan Jin’e from the Research Institute of Marxism under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted that since embarking on reforms in 1986, Vietnam has gradually built a “socialist-oriented market economy,” shifting from a planned to an open economy. As a result:

In 2024, GDP reached 476.3 billion USD and per capita GDP exceeded 4,700 USD.

The World Bank recognises Vietnam as a “model for poverty reduction among developing countries.”

With renewable energy accounting for 8% of the energy mix by 2024, the country’s target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 is drawing global attention.

The country has established the theory of a socialist rule-of-law state “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” blending Marxism with local realities to balance political stability and social vitality, a breakthrough in Marxist theory on proletarian state power.

Additionally, Vietnam pursues “development for the people,” making strides in education, healthcare, employment, and social security. Education is free from preschool to public high school; primary school enrolment reached 99.7% in 2024, with a target of 35% university enrolment by 2030. Healthcare insurance coverage reached 93.35% in 2024, nearing universal health coverage, with life expectancy rising from 40 years in 1945 to 75.8 years today.

The interview notes: “These successes stem from decades of struggle against colonialism and invasion. Vietnam’s history is a heroic example for developing countries overcoming backwardness through socialist leadership, the regime’s strengths, and the unity and resilience of its people, supported by international solidarity and proletarian internationalism.”

Regarding Vietnam’s development of and contributions to global socialism, the Chinese scholar described the country’s accomplishments as offering a “Vietnamese solution” to the world socialist movement. Vietnam presents a new theoretical model and developmental path for socialism globally, serving as a reference for developing countries.

Pan concluded that Vietnam’s achievements in building socialism confirm Marx’s view on diverse development paths. She emphasised that Vietnam’s experience revitalises the global socialist movement and opens “another possibility” for developing countries to explore the path of modernisation. “Socialism is not an abstract doctrine, but a creative practice rooted in the country and responsive to the era’s needs,” making this Vietnam’s most valuable contribution to the global socialist movement.

The following article was originally published by Nhân Dân.

Viet Nam, a country that has steadfastly pursued socialism, has gained remarkable achievements in a wide scope of sectors that includes the economy, politics, society, and culture, according to a Chinese expert on Vietnamese affairs.

Economically, Viet Nam exemplifies the successful fusion of socialism and a market economy, Prof., Dr. Pan Jin’e from the Research Institute of Marxism under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said in an interview with Viet Nam News Agency correspondents in Beijing.

Vietnam and China to celebrate key anniversaries

Socialist neighbours China and Vietnam have confirmed that they will exchange high level delegations on the upcoming 80^th anniversaries of Vietnam’s August Revolution and National Day along with the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the world anti-fascist war.

The pledge came when Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, in Geneva, Switzerland, on July 29, on the sidelines of the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament (WCSP 6).

Tran Thanh Man affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State and people highly evaluated Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping’s recent state visit to Vietnam, calling it a historic milestone and a bright highlight in the bilateral relations in 2025.

The Vietnamese top legislator further noted that the bilateral relations have seen remarkable progress, with growing political trust between the two Parties and States, increasingly comprehensive and effective cooperation mechanisms, and closer legislative ties. He informed his Chinese counterpart that the Vietnamese National Assembly is actively preparing for the first session of the Vietnam–China Inter-Parliamentary Committee and expressed his hope to welcome Chairman Zhao to Vietnam to co-chair this important event.

Both sides shared delight at the upcoming participation of senior leaders from the two countries in the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s August Revolution and National Day, as well as the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory against fascism.

The next day Vietnam’s Nhân Dân newspaper reported that the first joint army training exercise of the Vietnamese and Chinese ground forces had wrapped up at the Jianglong Chongzuo Training Base in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on July 30.

The exercise, which ran from July 21-30, focused on major military disciplines such as reconnaissance, camouflage, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, marksmanship, medical aid, chemical defence, field logistics, and coordinated tactical operations. In particular, the UAV exercises involved six practical combat scenarios in mountainous terrain, enhancing reconnaissance, strike, and rescue capabilities while improving coordination between the two forces. Cultural and sports exchanges within the program, including basketball, table tennis, chess, calligraphy, traditional medicine, and artistic performances, also helped strengthen mutual understanding and trust.

Earlier, on July 7, China Daily reported that a four-day exchange program, held under the theme “Youth Uniting for the Future”, was jointly organised by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Guizhou Provincial Committee and China Daily, bringing together Chinese and Vietnamese youth delegates, along with Vietnamese experts.

The event was part of broader efforts to implement agreements reached by the top leaders of China and Vietnam. In April, President Xi Jinping proposed inviting Vietnamese youths to China for “Red Study Tours” over the next three years to strengthen bilateral ties.

Vietnam to honour China and other traditional friends on 80th national day

Vietnam’s National Defence Ministry has invited the military of five countries – Russia China, Laos, Cambodia, and Belarus – to join the parade in the ceremony marking the 80^th August Revolution Day and the 80^th National Day, to be held on September 2 in the capital Hanoi.

The ministry has also sent invitations to defence ministers of eight countries – Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan – to attend the ceremony, according to Deputy Minister, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien.

The Vietnam News Service reported on July 10 that the invitation of military units to participate in the parade is a gesture of friendship, solidarity and the close bonds between the people and army of Vietnam and their traditional allies and further noted that on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30 2025), the defence ministries of China, Laos and Cambodia sent military personnel to take part in the parade held in Ho Chi Minh City. This was the first time for Vietnam to invite foreign troops to participate in a national military parade.

Also on July 10, the defence ministry held a meeting with relevant bodies to expedite the construction of a monument dedicated to the soldiers from foreign countries who supported Vietnam during its resistance wars, to be located at the Vietnam Military History Museum.

The memorial complex will include a general symbol commemorating the support and sacrifices of foreign military experts, made of bronze and designed by Vietnam, as well as separate monuments honouring military experts from the Soviet Union/Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia and Cuba, also made of bronze, that will be either designed and constructed by the respective countries or by Vietnam upon request, and a greenstone relief designed and built by Vietnam.

The following article was originally published in Vietnam News.

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam’s National Defence Ministry has invited the military of five countries – Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, and Belarus – to join the parade in the ceremony marking the 80th August Revolution Day and National Day on September 2 in Hà Nội.

The ministry has also sent invitations to defence ministers of eight countries of Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to attend the ceremony, according to Deputy Minister, Senior Lieutenant General Hoàng Xuân Chiến.

So far, Cuba has responded to the invitation, confirming that the Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba will attend the ceremony.

Laos and Cambodia have also expressed their support for the initiative to send military forces to participate in the parade at the celebration, as per Việt Nam’s invitation.

The invitation of military units to participate in the parade is a gesture of friendship, solidarity and close bonds between the people and army of Việt Nam and its traditional allies.

The move also reaffirms Việt Nam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralism — being a reliable partner and friend to all nations.

Previously, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 2025), the defence ministries of China, Laos and Cambodia sent military personnel to take part in Việt Nam’s military parade.

On the same day, the defence ministry held a meeting with agencies and units to implement the construction of a monument dedicated to the soldiers from foreign countries who supported Việt Nam during its resistance wars, to be located at the Việt Nam Military History Museum.

This commemorative project carries great significance, paying tribute to foreign military experts and soldiers who assisted Việt Nam in its wars of national liberation.

The memorial complex will include a general symbol commemorating the support and sacrifices of foreign military experts, made of bronze and designed by Việt Nam; separate monuments honouring military experts from the Soviet Union/Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia and Cuba, also made of bronze that will be either designed and constructed by the respective countries or by Việt Nam upon request; and a greenstone relief designed and built by Việt Nam.

The area surrounding the monument will be landscaped with trees and grass lawns.

Chiến has instructed that construction progress be expedited. The first group of statues must be completed before August 15, while the entrance and central exhibition area should be finished by August 10.

China and Vietnam jointly promote Red Tourism

The Vietnamese newspaper Nhân Dân recently reported that an exhibition on President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary career in China has been jointly organised by the Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History of China and the Ho Chi Minh Museum of Viet Nam as part of the activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations and the Year of People-to-People Exchange between the two countries.

During his journey to seek a path for liberating the nation, the paper notes, President Ho Chi Minh spent many years in China, including an extremely important period in Guangzhou, Guangdong province from 1924-1927. During this time, he established the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth League, the predecessor of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), and organised training courses to prepare cadres and build the organisational structure, creating the ideal conditions for the founding of the party.

The exhibition retraces the late Vietnamese leader’s 12 years of revolutionary activities in China and emphasises that, under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh, Chairman Mao Zedong, and other pioneering leaders, the people of Vietnam and China stood together, enduring hardships in their struggles for independence and national liberation. The friendship as comrades plus brothers between Vietnam and China remains a valuable legacy for both nations and will endure for future generations.

Historical sites, it continues, associated with the revolutionary career of President Ho Chi Minh in China are evidence of his revolutionary journey and serve as important landmarks of Vietnam-China friendship. The Chinese government attaches great importance to preserving these sites, having restored and protected them to enhance their historical value. Today, they serve as “red addresses” – destinations for revolutionary education and people-to-people exchanges, especially among younger generations. The exhibition is scheduled to be held on a rotating basis at several museums in both Vietnam and China.

In a separate article, Nhân Dân reports on the mutual ‘red tourism’ by young people from the two socialist neighbours.

It writes that during her first visit to Vietnam to attend the Vietnam-China Youth Friendship Meeting in April, Huang Chenshen from the China Youth University for Political Studies had listened to speeches by Chinese Party General Secretary Xi Jinping and Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam, visited Quang Ninh and Ninh Binh provinces, and explored the local culture. What impressed her most was experiencing the cultural life of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities.

The “Red Study Tour” programme of visits to China was proposed by Xi during his April visit to Vietnam. It links together historical sites associated with President Ho Chi Minh and former Chinese leaders, serving as a “living history classroom” that fosters a spirit of solidarity and a shared sense of responsibility among young people for peace and development.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Hoa, former Deputy Director of the Institute for Chinese Studies and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Chinese Studies Journal, said that the content of youth exchanges has become increasingly diverse, shifting from general forums to more practical, thematic discussions closely tied to the role of young people in national development and innovation.

The first tour visited China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in May, with the theme, “Following President Ho Chi Minh’s Footsteps”. In addition to visiting historical sites, Guangxi also organised activities for the young delegates to experience artificial intelligence technology and the digital environment. Vietnamese participants were able to visit a robotics lab, experience high-speed train travel, and explore advanced technological applications.

The following articles were originally published by Nhân Dân.

Exhibition spotlights President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary career in China

June 30 (Nhân Dân) — An exhibition on President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary career in China has been jointly held by the Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History of China and the Ho Chi Minh Museum of Viet Nam as part of activities to celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Year of Humanistic Exchange 2025 between the two nations.

Vietnam boosts China friendship at Summer Davos

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh paid a working visit to China, June 24-27, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang. The centrepiece of his visit was his participation in the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Tianjin at the co-invitation of WEF President and CEO Børge Brende. Known as the ‘Summer Davos’, the event in Tianjin is the second most important annual WEF activity after the gathering in the Swiss resort of Davos itself. Uniquely among foreign leaders, this was the third consecutive year for the Vietnamese Prime Minister to take part. It was also the first visit by a key Vietnamese leader to China in 2025, taking place shortly after the state visit to Vietnam by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and Chinese President Xi Jinping in April.

Pham Minh Chinh met with Li Qiang on June 24, shortly after his arrival in Tianjin.

Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam, Li said the deep friendship of “comrades and brothers” has remained firm and fresh over time. Since the successful visit of Xi Jinping to Vietnam in April, the comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and Vietnam has been further advanced. China is willing to continue to implement the outcomes of President Xi’s visit with Vietnam to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

China welcomes Vietnam to become a BRICS partner country and is willing to work with Vietnam to safeguard free trade and the multilateral trading system, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, and inject more stability and positive energy into world peace and development.

Chinh said that Vietnam always considers developing its relationship with China a strategic choice, an objective necessity, and a top priority in its foreign policy and expressed confidence that China will continue to grow and play an increasingly important role in global development, security, and civilisation.

He proposed that both sides further promote the key role of security and defence cooperation in the overall bilateral relationship; improve the quality and effectiveness of practical cooperation across various fields; and maintain regular operations of the intergovernmental working groups on land-based infrastructure, monetary issues, and maritime cooperation, as well as the joint committees on economic-trade and scientific-technological cooperation. He also suggested studying the establishment of new working groups in education, training, finance, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Pham Minh Chinh also met with other foreign leaders attending the forum, namely Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Kyrgyzstan Prime Minister Adylbek Kasimalyev, and Prime Minister of Senegal Ousmane Sonko.

Thanking Vietnam for its agricultural assistance, Sonko hoped for continued support in rice and cashew cultivation. He praised the success of Vietnam’s agricultural cooperation model in other countries and voiced interest in expanding that model to benefit Senegal and other Global South nations.

The Vietnamese and Senegalese leaders agreed to increase high-level exchanges and mutual visits, boost trade and investment promotion activities, facilitate business connections, and foster market access for each other’s key export products, with a strong focus on agriculture. Chinh invited Sonko to visit Vietnam, an invitation the Senegalese leader accepted with pleasure.

Also, as part of his working trip to China, on June 26 Chinh visited the Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Pudong district, considered a development model in the new era of Shanghai as well as China.

Writing in the memorial hall’s guestbook, Chinh expressed his admiration and congratulations on the remarkable achievements of the CPC in leading the revolution and building a civilised, prosperous, harmonious, and modern nation.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and Nhân Dân.

Chinese premier meets PM of Vietnam

TIANJIN, June 24 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday met with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh, who is in north China’s Tianjin Municipality for the 2025 Summer Davos.

Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam, Li said the deep friendship of “comrades and brothers” has remained firm and fresh over time. Since the successful visit of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, to Vietnam in April, the comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and Vietnam has been further advanced.

Chinese scholar lauds Vietnam’s revolutionary press

A solemn ceremony was held in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on June 21 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925-2025).

Addressing the meeting, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Communications, Education and Mass Mobilisation of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Trong Nghia said that the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Press Day is an opportunity to review and multiply the pride, respect, and infinite gratitude towards President Ho Chi Minh – the founder, leader, trainer and great teacher of the Vietnamese revolutionary press. It is an occasion to show the pride of and gratitude to outstanding and exemplary leaders, revolutionary soldiers, and senior journalists; remember generations of journalists who directly fought and heroically sacrificed during the resistance wars against the French colonialists and US imperialists; and to express gratitude for the contributions of generations of journalists and soldiers who have raised high the Party’s ideological flag.

Emphasising that the 100-year journey of the Vietnamese revolutionary press has marked the efforts, achievements, lessons, challenges, ups and downs, and aspirations to move forward, Nghia affirmed that over the past century, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has always been steadfast, loyal, and devoted to the noble revolutionary cause of the Party, the nation, and the people.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency to mark the occasion, Li Minghan, an intellectual from China’s Hong Kong who has devoted most of his life to studying President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary career, described “Thanh Nien” (Young People) newspaper, which laid the foundation for Vietnam’s revolutionary journalism a century ago, as a modest publication with great responsibility and mission.

Li said that President Ho Chi Minh, drawing from his experience in the French communist movement and his role in founding the Le Paria (The Pariah) newspaper in Paris in 1922 to expose colonial crimes and unite the global anti-colonial struggle, understood the power of revolutionary journalism as a tool to popularise, mobilise, organise, and lead revolutionary movements. During his stay in China’s Guangzhou city from 1924 to 1927 to prepare for the establishment of a Communist Party to lead Vietnam’s revolution, President Ho Chi Minh founded “Thanh Nien” newspaper and released its first issue on June 21, 1925. Li said that despite its small format and simple design and printing, the newspaper carried immense responsibility and mission, contributing to the establishment of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the decisive factor in the success of the country’s revolution in the past, today, and in the future.

Today, original copies of the early issues are on display at the relic site of the headquarters of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth League in Guangzhou city. An exhibition spotlighting the time President Ho Chi Minh spent in China is being held from May 10 to August 10 at the Guangzhou Uprising Memorial Hall, featuring a dedicated display of copies of Thanh Nien.

The following article was originally published by Nhân Dân.

Li Minghan, an intellectual from China’s Hong Kong who has devoted most of his life studying President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary career, described “Thanh nien” (Young people) newspaper, which laid foundation for Viet Nam’s revolutionary journalism a century ago, as a modest publication with great responsibility and mission.

In an interview with the Viet Nam News Agency on the occasion of Viet Nam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21), Li said that President Ho Chi Minh, drawing from his experience in the French communist movement and his role in founding the Le Paria (The Miserable) newspaper in Paris in 1922 to expose colonial crimes and unite the global anti-colonial struggle, understood the power of revolutionary journalism as a tool to popularise, mobilise, organise, and lead revolutionary movements.

During his stay in China’s Guangzhou city from 1924 to 1927 to prepare for the establishment of a Communist Party to lead Viet Nam’s revolution, President Ho Chi Minh founded “Thanh nien” newspaper and released its first issue on June 21, 1925. Li said that despite its small format and simple design and printing, the newspaper carried immense responsibility and mission, contributing to the establishment of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the decisive factor in the success of the country’s revolution in the past, today, and in the future.

The newspaper was printed on a compact 18×24 cm paper size, with simple design and clear content.

Between June 21, 1925, and April 17, 1927, the newspaper published a total of 88 issues, with 100 copies of each edition distributed to Viet Nam by sailors, providing information and building solidarity within Viet Nam’s revolutionary movement and connecting it with communist movements in the region and the world.

Today, original copies of the early issues are on display at the relic site of the headquarters of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth League in Guangzhou city, Guangzhong province.

An exhibition spotlighting the time President Ho Chi Minh in China is taking place from May 10 to August 10 at the Guangzhou Uprising Memorial Hall, featuring a dedicated display of reproduced copies of Thanh Nien newspaper’s issues No. 63, 66, and 67. The event is held in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Viet Nam – China diplomatic relations and the Year of China-Viet Nam Humanistic Exchange 2025.

Xi extends condolences over death of former Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong

Veteran Vietnamese revolutionary leader Tran Duc Luong, who served as State President from August 1997 to November 2007, passed away in Hanoi on May 20 at the age of 88.

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended condolences to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, hailing Comrade Tran Duc Luong as an outstanding party and state leader of Vietnam who made important contributions to the country’s development and its cause of Doi Moi (reform). He added that, as an old friend of the Chinese people, he made unremitting efforts to promote the development of relations between the two parties and the two countries.

The Vietnamese newspaper Nhân Dân featured extensive coverage, including a special communique, brief biography, and details of condolence messages sent by leaders of Laos, China, Cambodia, Cuba and Russia.

The following article was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday extended condolences to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong over the death of former Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong.

In his message, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, expressed profound condolences and extended sincere sympathies to Tran Duc Luong’s family on behalf of the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people.

Xi hailed Comrade Tran Duc Luong as an outstanding party and state leader of Vietnam who made important contributions to the country’s development and its cause of Doi Moi (reform).

As an old friend of the Chinese people, Comrade Tran Duc Luong made unremitting efforts to promote the development of relations between the two parties and the two countries, Xi said.

Xi expressed his belief that under the strong leadership of the CPV Central Committee headed by Comrade To Lam, the party, government and people of Vietnam will surely turn their grief into strength and continue to achieve new accomplishments in the cause of socialist construction.

Ho Chi Minh’s vital contributions to the global socialist and anti-imperialist struggle

Marking the 135^th anniversary of the birth of the country’s revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, May 19, 2025, the Vietnamese press has carried numerous articles reflecting the worldwide respect felt by progressive people for their national hero.

In one such article, a Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondent in Beijing, interviewed Professor Pan Jin’e, a senior fellow at the Academy of Marxism under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Pan described Ho Chi Minh as the founder of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, a great revolutionary, a brilliant strategist, and a moral exemplar. She also highlighted his role as a leader of anti-colonial movements across Asia, Africa, and Latin America in the 20th century, as well as his significant place in the history of the international communist movement.

She noted that President Ho Chi Minh remained steadfast in his internationalist ideals. He joined the French Communist Party, actively collaborated with leaders of other socialist countries, and maintained close ties with the Chinese revolution. Alongside leaders such as Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, he helped build the traditional friendship between Vietnam and China – a relationship that remains cherished by both parties and peoples.

As a representative of the Communist International, Ho Chi Minh supported revolutionary movements worldwide, particularly in China, Laos, and Cambodia, playing an active role in anti-colonial struggles and proletarian revolutions.

Another article carried by Nhân Dân noted that: “With the friendship of ‘the proletariat in all four directions are brothers’, Ho Chi Minh harshly criticised some comrades in the Communist International for incorrectly assessing the colonial issue and confidently affirmed that the proletarian revolution was completely capable of breaking out first in the colonial countries, thereby creating conditions for workers and labourers in the mother countries to carry out the revolution to liberate the class and liberate society.”

The following article was originally published by Nhân Dân.

President Ho Chi Minh made significant contributions to Viet Nam and the international community, according to Professor Pan Jin’e, a senior fellow at the Academy of Marxism under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

In an interview with a Viet Nam News Agency (VNA) correspondent in Beijing on the occasion of the 135th birth anniversary of the late Vietnamese leader (May 19, 1890–2025), Pan described Ho Chi Minh as the founder of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, a great revolutionary, a brilliant strategist, and a moral exemplar. She also highlighted his role as a leader of anti-colonial movements across Asia, Africa, and Latin America in the 20th century, including his significance in the history of the international communist movement.

She emphasised that his contributions were reflected not only in Viet Nam’s national liberation and national building efforts but also in their profound impact on global struggles against colonialism and the international socialist movement.

Ho Chi Minh led the independence movement, founded the Communist Party of Viet Nam, and waged resistance wars against colonial and imperial forces, devoting his entire life to national reunification. He also guided the country’s socialist development in politics, economy and culture, spearheaded land reform, poverty alleviation, and national unity policies.

President Ho Chi Minh remained steadfast in his internationalist ideals. He joined the French Communist Party, actively collaborated with leaders of other socialist countries, and maintained close ties with the Chinese revolution. Alongside leaders such as Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, he helped build the traditional friendship between Viet Nam and China—a relationship that remains cherished by both Parties and peoples.

According to the Chinese scholar, whether during Viet Nam’s socialist revolutionary era or its ongoing doi moi (renewal) cause, Ho Chi Minh’s status as a national hero and spiritual leader has never diminished. In 2019, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) honoured him as a “Hero of National Liberation and a Great Man of Culture,” acknowledging his historic contributions to humanity.

Reflecting on the spirit of unity embodied in Ho Chi Minh’s Thought, Pan underscored that under his leadership and that of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the country achieved the historic victory of national reunification on April 30, 1975. This triumph is a powerful testament to his famous teachings: “Unity, unity, great unity. Success, success, great success!” National unity, she noted, remains the most vital force behind Viet Nam’s revolutionary success.

The Chinese scholar expressed her belief that the Vietnamese people will always remember President Ho Chi Minh’s final wishes, continue to uphold national solidarity, and write new chapters in the nation’s proud history. They will strive to build an independent, free, happy, prosperous, and civilised Viet Nam by 2050, fulfilling the late leader’s long-cherished dream of seeing Viet Nam stand shoulder to shoulder with the great powers of the five continents, she continued.

Vietnam celebrates 50th anniversary of the victory of the war of resistance against US aggression

Massive celebrations were held in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) on April 30 marking the 50^th anniversary of the victory of the Vietnamese people’s war of resistance against US aggression, the liberation of the south and national reunification.

A grand parade also featured military contingents from China, Laos and Cambodia, representing the revolutionary fraternity with neighbouring countries forged during the war.

On April 28, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Pei Jinjia, Minister of Veterans Affairs, who was leading a Chinese party and government delegation to attend the celebrations.

Chinh expressed his appreciation for the Chinese party and government sending Minister Pei to attend and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army personnel to join Vietnam’s grand parade at the celebration, describing the move as a vivid demonstration of China’s support for the important political event of Vietnam and of the high level of the Vietnam-China friendship.

He thanked China for its valuable support during Vietnam’s struggle for independence and national reunification, noting specific historical contributions, including the Yucai schools in Guilin and Nanning, which trained thousands of outstanding Vietnamese students, and the Nan Xishan Hospital in Guilin, which gave treatment to over 5,400 wounded Vietnamese soldiers. He also acknowledged China’s assistance in building major projects including the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, the Thuy loi University, the Ministry of Planning and Investment headquarters, and the Viet Tri Bridge.

Pei, for his part, congratulated Vietnam on its 50th reunification anniversary while expressing appreciation for the support that generations of Vietnamese revolutionary leaders have provided for China’s revolutionary cause.

Numerous other high-level delegations from around the world also attended the celebrations. They included:

General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith

Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People’s Party and President of the Cambodian Senate

Salvador Valdes Mesa, Politburo member of the Communist Party of Cuba and Vice President of Cuba

Secretary General of the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) party Chakil Aboobabcar

Politburo member of the Popular Liberation Movement of Angola (MPLA) Jorge Inocencio Dombolo

Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo

Politburo member Bensalem Mohamed of the National Liberation Front (FLN) of Algeria and Algeria’s Minister of Mujahedeen and Rights Holders Laid Rebiga

Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Ipatau Vadzim

Vice President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) Jesús Germán Faría Tortosa

Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Valdrack Jaentschke; and

Party leaders from various countries, including Mongolia, Japan, the Dominican Republic and France

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) To Lam delivered an address at the national celebration. He described the 50^th anniversary as “the most brilliant milestone in the history of building and defending the country; marking the glorious end of the 30-year resilient struggle for independence, freedom, and reunification of the Fatherland; putting an end to the more-than-a-century domination of old and new colonialism; and bringing the country into a new era – the era of national independence and socialism.”

“In this sacred moment, we respectfully remember and express our boundless gratitude for the great contributions of beloved President Ho Chi Minh – the genius Leader of our Party and nation, the great teacher of the Vietnamese revolution, a hero of national liberation, a great man of culture, an outstanding soldier of the international communist and workers’ movements – with the burning desire to liberate the South and reunify the nation, with the faith in victory that ‘No matter how difficult or arduous, our people will definitely win. Our Fatherland will definitely be reunified. Compatriots of the North and the South will definitely be reunited under one roof’… We sincerely thank our brothers, comrades and international friends, progressive forces and peace-loving people around the world for their great, valuable, wholehearted, loyal, and steadfast support and assistance to the Vietnamese people’s cause of national liberation and reunification.”

To Lam noted that immediately after the success of the August Revolution in 1945 and the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, “our people had to enter two long resistance wars to protect the country’s independence and unification. The resistance war against the French colonialists ended, and like many nations around the world, the Vietnamese people wished for a peaceful, independent and free life. However, the US imperialists quickly replaced the French colonialists, intervening in Vietnam, carrying out the plot to divide our country, and turning the South of our country into a new type of colony and an outpost to prevent communism in Southeast Asia and other progressive forces in the world. During the war of aggression against Vietnam, the US imperialists deployed a large number of soldiers with the most modern and sophisticated weapons, implemented many dangerous war strategies; carried out two brutal destructive wars against the North, causing a lot of pains and losses to the people in both regions of the country; and the consequences of the war still linger today.

General Secretary Tô Lâm: Xi Jinping is a sincere comrade and a close friend of Vietnam

We previously republished the article by Chinese President Xi Jinping published in the Vietnamese newspaper Nhân Dân on April 14, coinciding with his arrival in the country for a state visit. The same day, China’s People’s Daily published an article by To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, welcoming Xi’s visit.

In his article, To Lam noted: “This is Comrade Xi Jinping’s fourth visit to Vietnam since he assumed the responsibility of Party General Secretary and President of China, and also his second visit to Vietnam in the 13th-term National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the 20th-term National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). As the Supreme Leader of the Communist Party of China and the People’s Republic of China who has visited Vietnam the most in history, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping is a sincere comrade and a close friend of Vietnam. The Party, State and people of Vietnam warmly welcome and believe that the visit will definitely be a great success, making a great and important contribution to strongly promoting the tradition of friendship and opening a new era of development in Vietnam-China relations.”

The article continues to note that, in the revolutionary journey that was closely linked from the beginning with countless difficulties, generations of leaders of the two Parties and two countries, directly President Ho Chi Minh and Chairman Mao Zedong, constantly worked hard to cultivate “the close relationship between Vietnam and China, both comrades and brothers”. During many years of revolutionary activities in China, President Ho Chi Minh always received precious sentiments and enthusiastic help from the Chinese communists and people. Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh, Vietnamese communists also actively participated in the revolutionary movement in China. The history of standing shoulder to shoulder and sharing joys and sorrows between the revolutionary predecessors of the two countries was a shining example in the revolutionary struggle movement of the world proletariat, laying a solid foundation for the future friendship between Vietnam and China.

On the basis of the reliable relationship between the two Communist Parties, on January 18, 1950, shortly after its establishment, the People’s Republic of China became the first country in the world to officially establish diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam). Vietnam was also the first Southeast Asian country to officially establish diplomatic relations with China. This was a brilliant historical milestone, opening a new era for the Vietnam-China friendship. Under the guidance of the two Communist Parties, the people of the two countries gave each other sincere and wholehearted help and support, contributing to the victory and success of the national liberation revolution and the cause of national construction and development in the direction of socialism in each country.

In the overall foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, multilateralisation and diversification of foreign relations, the Party and State of Vietnam have always persistently and consistently given top priority to and determined to work with the Party and State of China to develop the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, the Vietnam-China Community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, for the happiness of the people of the two countries, for the cause of peace and progress of all mankind. The Vietnamese people will never forget the great and effective assistance of the Chinese people in historical periods. Vietnam always considers China’s prosperous development as an opportunity for itself and is pleased and appreciates China’s affirmation of prioritising the development of relations with Vietnam in its neighbourhood diplomacy and considers this a strategic choice of both countries.

The two sides have satisfactorily resolved many issues left over from history and agreed to persistently and properly handle and actively resolve disagreements through peaceful measures on the basis of mutual understanding and respect, in accordance with international law. For the relations between the two Parties and two countries to develop well and comprehensively as they are today, the most important lesson is the sincerity, trust and mutual understanding between the two socialist neighbouring countries under the leadership of the Communist Parties, deeply rooted in the tradition of humanity and respect for human relations of the two peoples; the intellectual vision, determination and action of generations of leaders of the two Parties and two countries; and the joint efforts and participation of the political systems and people of the two countries. The Party, State and People of Vietnam respect and appreciate the sentiments, enthusiasm and especially important great contributions of General Secretary and President Xi Jinping to the Vietnam-China relationship over the past many years.

The world is undergoing profound, fundamental changes of an epochal nature, with deep transformations in every aspect under the impact of major shifts in politics, economy, culture, society, and science and technology. The period from now until 2030, with a longer-term vision toward 2045 and even 2050, the mid-point of the 21st century – key milestones tied to the revolutionary causes of the two Parties and the two countries – will be the most crucial period for shaping a new world order. It will open up great opportunities, while also posing significant challenges for nations. For Vietnam, this is a period of important strategic opportunity, a decisive sprint stage to usher in a new era of national development and to fulfill President Ho Chi Minh’s aspiration of “building a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous Vietnam, making a worthy contribution to the revolutionary cause of the world.” For China, this is a pivotal period and a stepping stone in realising its second centenary goal, building the People’s Republic of China into a modern socialist power that is prosperous, strong, democratic, civilised, harmonious, and beautiful.

The following English translation of Comrade To Lam’s article was originally published by Nhân Dân.

JOINING HANDS TO OPEN A NEW ERA OF DEVELOPMENT OF VIETNAM-CHINA FRIENDSHIP

To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam

At the invitation of mine and President Luong Cuong of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, comrade Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China, will pay a state visit to Vietnam from April 14-15, 2025, in the year when the people of the two countries joyfully celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and China (January 18, 1950 – 2025) and the Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange.

This is comrade Xi Jinping’s fourth visit to Vietnam since he assumed the responsibility of Party General Secretary and President of China, and also his second visit to Vietnam in the 13th-term National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the 20th-term National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). As the Supreme Leader of the Communist Party of China and the People’s Republic of China who has visited Vietnam the most in history, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping is a sincere comrade and a close friend of Vietnam. The Party, State and people of Vietnam warmly welcome and believe that the visit will definitely be a great success, making a great and important contribution to strongly promoting the tradition of friendship and opening a new era of development in Vietnam – China relations.

I. Vietnam – China relations: History of close friendship, comprehensive cooperation achievements

Vietnam and China are two close neighbours, connected by mountains and rivers, the people of the two countries have shared many similarities in culture and customs, and together cultivated a long-standing traditional friendship that has lasted for thousands of years.

China and Vietnam reaffirm their will to jointly strengthen the cause of socialism in the world

Chinese leader Xi Jinping began his first overseas visit of 2025 with a visit to Vietnam as the first leg of a regional tour that also took him to Malaysia and Cambodia.

Xi landed in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi at noon on April 14, for a state visit at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam and President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Luong Cuong. He was greeted on arrival by President Luong Cuong and other senior Vietnamese leaders.

Xi Jinping delivered a written statement on arrival and, on behalf of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese government, and the Chinese people, extended sincere greetings and best wishes to the brotherly CPV, the Vietnamese government and the Vietnamese people.

The Chinese leader noted that this year marks the 95th anniversary of the founding of the CPV, the 80th anniversary of the founding of Viet Nam, and the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South. China and Viet Nam are socialist neighbours connected by mountains and rivers, and a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. During the arduous years of striving for state independence and national liberation, the two countries fought side by side and supported each other, forging a profound friendship. In exploring a socialist path suitable to their respective national conditions, the two countries have learned from each other and advanced hand-in-hand, demonstrating to the world the bright prospects of the socialist system. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Viet Nam and is the China-Viet Nam Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The building of a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future is ushering in new development opportunities. Xi Jinping said he looks forward to taking this visit as an opportunity to have an in-depth exchange of views with Vietnamese leaders and comrades on the overall, strategic, and directional issues concerning the relations between the two parties and countries, as well as on international and regional issues of common interest and concern, and to jointly drawing up a new blueprint for the building of a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future.

Shortly after his arrival, General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam held a grand welcome ceremony for Xi Jinping. This was followed by talks between the two communist party leaders.

Xi Jinping said that this year marks the 95th anniversary of the founding of the CPV, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam (which is now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam), and the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and he extended warm congratulations to the Vietnamese side on behalf of the CPC and the Chinese government. China will support Viet Nam as always in advancing along the socialist path suited to its national conditions, successfully holding the 14th CPV National Congress in 2026, and marching toward the Two Centenary Goals of the CPV and the country.

President Xi noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Viet Nam diplomatic ties and the China-Viet Nam Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Over the past 75 years, no matter how the international landscape evolved, the two sides had supported each other in the struggle for national independence and liberation, advanced the cause of socialism hand in hand, and forged ahead with modernisation of the two countries, serving as a model of unity and cooperation between socialist countries. Facing a changing and turbulent world, China and Viet Nam staying committed to peaceful development and deepening friendship and cooperation has brought much-needed stability and certainty to the world. Standing on a new historical starting point, the two sides should build on past achievements and join hands to renew their long-standing friendship featuring “camaraderie plus brotherhood.” In line with the overarching goals characterised by “six mores”, namely, stronger political mutual trust, more substantive security cooperation, deeper practical cooperation, more solid popular foundation, closer coordination and collaboration on multilateral affairs, and better management and resolution of differences, the two countries should advance their comprehensive strategic cooperation with high-quality efforts, ensure steady and sustained progress in building the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future, and make new and greater contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

He said that building the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future carries important global significance. The two countries, both following the path of peaceful development and with their over 1.5 billion people marching toward modernisation together will provide an effective safeguard for peace and stability of the region and even the world, and give a strong boost to common development. A single small boat may not survive a ferocious storm; only by working together can we sail steadily and far.

President Xi proposed six measures to deepen the building of the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future:

First, elevating strategic mutual trust to a higher level. Leaders of the two Parties and two countries should visit and communicate with each other frequently like family do.

Second, building more robust security safeguards. The two sides should designate their “3+3” strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defence and public security as a ministerial-level mechanism to strengthen strategic coordination.

Third, expanding higher-quality mutually beneficial cooperation. The two sides should seize the great opportunity of faster formation of new quality productive forces in China and new types of productive forces in Viet Nam to upgrade bilateral practical cooperation. They should work to fully connect their standard-gauge railways, expressways, and smart ports as early as possible, and advance cooperation on AI, IoT and other high technologies.

Fourth, making the people-to-people bond more broad-based. The two sides should seize the opportunity of the China-Viet Nam Year of People-to-People Exchanges this year to hold more friendship activities that reach the communities and resonate with the public, and strengthen cooperation in tourism, culture, media, health, etc. The two countries should further tap into revolutionary resources and tell stories of friendship, and China will invite Vietnamese youths to China in the next three years on red study tours. This will help the people of the two countries, especially the younger generation, understand the great sacrifice that led to the founding of the two socialist countries and the great value of their good-neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation.

Fifth, carrying out closer multilateral coordination. The two sides should jointly safeguard the outcomes of the victory of the Second World War, firmly defend the UN-centreed international system and the international order based on international law, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, and strengthen cooperation within the framework of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

Sixth, engaging in more constructive maritime interactions. The two sides should implement the common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, properly handle maritime issues, expand maritime cooperation, make the decision to launch joint development, and work for the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

General Secretary To Lam stated that General Secretary Xi is an outstanding leader of the Chinese people and a great friend of the Vietnamese people. That General Secretary Xi chose Viet Nam as the destination of his first overseas visit this year fully reflects the importance he attaches to Viet Nam-China relations and his support for Viet Nam. This visit will surely become a new milestone in the history of friendly exchanges between the two Parties and two countries and will further advance the building of the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.