Celebrating 75 Years of Friendship: The Enduring Diplomatic Ties Between China and Vietnam
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Vietnam underscores the strong diplomatic ties between China and Vietnam. This official trip, which occurred over two days, not only highlighted the historical relationship between the two nations but also set the stage for future collaboration.
Upon his arrival in Vietnam on Monday, President Xi was warmly welcomed. His itinerary included crucial meetings with prominent Vietnamese leaders, such as:
- General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam
- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh
- Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man
During these discussions, President Xi emphasized the significance of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam. He stated that this milestone presents new opportunities to foster a community with a shared future, reinforcing their commitment to bilateral cooperation.
Xi highlighted the necessity for both nations to:
- Advance their comprehensive strategic cooperation with high quality.
- Jointly oppose unilateralism and bullying practices.
- Collaborate to uphold the global free trade system.
- Maintain the stability of industrial and supply chains.
As he bid farewell to General Secretary To Lam on Tuesday, Xi expressed his unwavering confidence in the future of China-Vietnam relations. He characterized his visit as fruitful, despite its brevity.
This trip marks the first leg of President Xi’s five-day tour across Southeast Asia, which also includes visits to Malaysia and Cambodia. After his two-day engagement in Vietnam, he proceeded to Malaysia, where he was received by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and honored with a guard of honor from the Malaysian Armed Forces.
President Xi’s three-nation tour will conclude on Friday after his visit to Cambodia, demonstrating China’s commitment to strengthening its strategic relationships with neighboring countries.
Recent data from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce reveals that the economic and trade collaboration between China and Vietnam has shown remarkable growth in recent years. Since 2004, China has remained Vietnam’s primary trading partner, and since 2016, Vietnam has been recognized as China’s largest trading partner within the ASEAN region.
The bilateral trade volume between these two nations has surpassed $200 billion for four consecutive years, achieving a total of $260.65 billion in 2024. This figure reflects a year-on-year growth of 13.5 percent, showcasing the strength of their economic ties.
In addition to Vietnam, the partnership between China and other Southeast Asian nations, such as Malaysia and Cambodia, has also been experiencing significant growth. This reinforces the importance of regional cooperation in fostering economic stability and development.
As President Xi continues his tour, the focus remains on enhancing diplomatic relations and exploring opportunities for trade and investment. The visit to Vietnam serves as a pivotal moment in reinforcing the bilateral ties that have developed over decades, paving the way for a prosperous future for both countries.
In conclusion, President Xi Jinping’s visit to Vietnam not only commemorates a long-standing friendship but also sets a clear agenda for future cooperation in various fields, including trade, politics, and cultural exchanges. The ongoing dialogue between China and Vietnam is vital for maintaining regional stability and fostering mutual growth.
