Chinese, Vietnamese leaders reaffirm strategic importance of bilateral relations

By AJU PRESS Posted : August 20, 2024, 15:06 Updated : August 20, 2024, 15:06
Vietnam's top leader To Lam (left) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. Reuters-Yonhap
SEOUL, August 20 (AJU PRESS) -Chinese president Xi Jinping and Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam reaffirmed the high priority they place on China-Vietnam relations during a meeting in Beijing on Monday. The leaders also oversaw the signing of cooperation agreements across multiple sectors.

Analysts highlighted that Lam's visit signifies both countries' commitment to achieving greater outcomes in their relationship, which is strategically significant in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. It also marks a concrete step by Vietnam's new leadership to deepen the friendly relations between the two socialist nations.

China was chosen as the destination for Lam's first overseas visit since assuming office as General Secretary of the CPV. Xi remarked that this choice underscores the importance Lam places on the relationship between the two parties and countries, and reflects the strategic and high-level nature of China-Vietnam relations, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Xi emphasized that amid global changes, both China and Vietnam have maintained rapid economic growth and long-term social stability, highlighting the advantages and vitality of the socialist system. "China regards Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy," Xi stated during the meeting.

Lam, in turn, noted that selecting China as his first international destination after taking office demonstrates Vietnam's high regard for its relationship with China. He stressed that China remains a strategic choice and top priority in Vietnam's foreign policy.

Lam reiterated Vietnam's adherence to the one-China policy and its opposition to any form of "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities. He also affirmed that Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet-related matters are internal Chinese affairs, and that Vietnam strongly opposes any external interference in these issues.

Ge Hongliang, Vice Dean of the ASEAN College at Guangxi Minzu University, described the relationship between the two parties and countries as unique. Xu Liping, Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, added that the China-Vietnam relationship extends beyond bilateral significance, as both socialist nations share the responsibility of strengthening global socialist forces and maintaining the socialist path.

Vietnam is facing increasing external interference and remains vigilant against attempts at "color revolution," Ge noted, adding that Vietnam expects China's support in ensuring the stable development of its socialist cause.

During their meeting, Xi expressed China's readiness to enhance synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Vietnam's Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy. He emphasized the importance of accelerating the "hard connectivity" of infrastructure, such as railways, expressways, and ports, and improving the "soft connectivity" of smart customs systems, to jointly establish a secure and stable industrial and supply chain.

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