Steadfast, sustainable relations with China a priority in Việt Nam’s foreign policy: PM

Reflecting on the long-term friendship between their respective parties and countries, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the development of Việt Nam-China relations.

Developing steadfast and sustainable relations with China is a key part of Việt Nam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multi-lateralisation and diversification, said Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday.

The Vietnamese government leader was visiting China for the 15th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the Champions, which takes place from June 24-27.

Sending his regards to Vietnamese high-level leaders, President Xi congratulated Việt Nam on the country’s socio-economic achievements and said China always attaches great importance to Việt Nam as part of the Chinese neighbourhood diplomacy.

Reflecting on the long-term friendship between their respective parties and countries, the two leaders praised the development of Việt Nam-China relations, especially their joint statement on continuing to deepen and elevate the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and build a China-Việt Nam community, with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

The Chinese leader underlined that the two countries should deepen political trust through regular high-level delegation exchanges, the mechanism of the Việt Nam-China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, as well as in cooperation in key sectors such as diplomacy, national defence and public security.

Other focus areas include people-to-people exchanges, better measures to manage and resolve differences and improved collaboration in multilateral forums for the development of the region and the world.

The two leaders also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern and agreed to justly handle disputes and maintain peace and stability at sea.

PM Chính asked that the two countries adhere to high-level agreements and respect each other’s legitimate interests in accordance with international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Proposing cooperation in major, symbolic, practical, and sustainable projects, PM Chính said that the two countries should strengthen links in transport infrastructure, especially railways, roads, and border gates, as part of the 'Two Corridors, One Belt' and 'Belt and Road' initiatives.

Highlighting Chinese investments into Việt Nam and the importance of agricultural trade to the people and businesses of the two countries, the PM requests that China facilitate the transport of Việt Nam’s key produce such as frozen durians, fresh coconuts and rice into this market and to Central Asia and Europe.

Việt Nam also supports China’s participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and suggested that the two sides maintain exchanges on this matter.

Affirming China’s support for Việt Nam’s development, President Xi suggested that the two countries strengthen their cooperation in trade, investment and tourism, building on the geographical advantages between the two economies.

China is ready to increase high-quality imports from Việt Nam and will continue necessary reforms to give way for new opportunities in trade, transport links and the digital economy, he said.

The Chinese government also encourages businesses to invest in Việt Nam, especially in high technology and emerging industries.

On the same day, PM Chính also held talks with Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The two officials discussed Việt Nam-China relations, as well as the theoretical research and application of Marxism-Leninism in their respective party and country, notably the achievements in building a socialist nation.

They agreed that following the important visits of Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng to China in 2022, and of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Việt Nam in 2023, the Việt Nam-China comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation has maintained progress with strengthened political trust and effective practical collaboration at all levels.

Noting the similarities between the political, social and cultural aspects of the two countries, PM Chính expressed his appreciation for the support of the Chinese Party, state and people in Việt Nam’s fight for independence in the past and development aspirations today.

Sharing the same perspective as PM Chính, CPPCC chairman Wang said China values the relations with Việt Nam in its neighbourhood diplomacy, and is willing to support Việt Nam’s development under the leadership of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV).