Brian Jeffrey
The upcoming trip by General Secretary To Lam marks his debut international visit since assuming office, setting a significant diplomatic precedent.
In a recent message congratulating President To Lam on his election, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the strong and amicable relations between China and Vietnam, characterizing the two socialist neighbors as deeply interconnected.
Last December, during President Xi Jinping’s official visit to Vietnam, both nations pledged to establish a Vietnam-China Community with a Shared Future, signaling a pivotal juncture in the relationship between the respective Parties and countries.
The Chinese leader expressed a willingness to collaborate with General Secretary To Lam to further develop this shared vision, bolster traditional friendship, enhance political trust, and promote strategic exchanges and practical cooperation. These endeavors aim to enhance the well-being of both nations’ citizens and contribute positively to global peace and advancement.
In recent years, significant milestones have been reached in the bilateral relationship: there has been a robust promotion of high-level exchanges and interactions, and economic, trade, and investment collaborations remain a key aspect of the bilateral ties. Vietnam has ascended to the position of China’s fifth-largest trading partner according to national rankings.
Local collaborations and people-to-people exchanges have been dynamic and fruitful, reinforcing the societal underpinnings of the bilateral relations.
During a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo in June, President To Lam stressed the importance of both nations working towards elevating the bilateral relations to new levels, ensuring they are increasingly substantive and efficacious, with an eye on the significant 2025 milestone, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and China.
Tran Thuong
