What to Look for in Xi's Trip to Vietnam?

Chinese President's Diplomatic Tour in Vietnam, Key Points to Monitor and Full Text of Joint Statement

This week, Chinese President Xi Jinping embarked on a diplomatic tour of Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. For this episode, I'll focus on the China-Vietnam relationship and share some observations from this trip. I also attached the full-text translation I made of the joint statement.

1. The General Background of this Trip

A week before Xi's visit, China held its Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries (April 8-9). The significance of this meeting was underscored by its attendees: all seven Politburo Standing Committee members, along with Vice President Han Zheng, participated. (Thanks

Yang Liu

from

Beijing Channel

for the English ver and important footnote)

During this conference, China introduced a new concept at the central level called the "Asian Security Model." Emphasis

utilizing the high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a platform, and resting on the strategic pillars of the Asian security model featuring shared security, seeking common ground while shelving differences and dialogue and consultation.

The meeting also set the target for diplomatic works on neighboring countries, including but not limited to

properly managing differences and disagreements. It called for deepening development integration by establishing high-level connectivity networks and strengthening industrial and supply chain cooperation. Joint efforts should be made to uphold regional stability, carry out security and law enforcement cooperation, and address various risks and challenges

While this visit was scheduled in advance, the recent tariff war between China and the US has added another dimension to President Xi's diplomatic tour that warrants close attention.

The supply chain stability was also highlighted multiple times in Xi’s meeting with Vietnam leadership.

In his talk with To Lam

Both countries are committed to opening up, and play a positive role in keeping regional industrial and supply chains stable and smooth and in promoting economic globalization. A single small boat may not survive a ferocious storm; only by working together can we sail steady and far.

In the joint statement, Both sides also showed a shared vision of maintaining a multilateral free trade system;

Both parties noted the measures related to trade and investment restrictions, and reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the WTO-centered, rules-based, open, transparent, inclusive, and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system, and to promote economic globalization toward a more open, inclusive, beneficial, balanced, and win-win direction.

2. Special Relationship Between China and Vietnam

From a purely realist international relations perspective, some observers tend to judge China-Vietnam relations based on South China Sea territorial sovereignty disputes and historical conflicts. Still, this concept ignores the connectivity and complexity of China-Vietnam history, as well as the identity of socialist countries played in the relations. Chinese political language describes the bilateral relationship with Vietnam as “both comrades and brothers.”(同志加兄弟) The word comes from the first-generation leader of the Vietnam communist party, Hu Chiming’s poem. From another perspective, this also reflects the important role of party diplomacy in China-Vietnam relations.

Xi’s piece on the Nhân Dân-Vietnam ver of People’s Daily could also hold that special relation. Xi highlighted the special bond between the two parties and the shared memory in the struggle against colonialism and imperialism. In the Chinese official readout of Xi’s meeting with Tô Lâm, party relations and the identity of socialist countries were also given high priority.

Party diplomacy is increasingly important nowadays, the joint statement said:

Further strengthen the mechanism for exchanges and cooperation between the two parties, particularly the roles of high-level meetings and theoretical seminars between the two parties. Enhance the effectiveness of exchanges and cooperation between the counterpart departments of the two central committees, as well as between localities of the two countries, especially party organizations in bordering provinces (regions). Through theoretical seminars, cadre training cooperation programs, and inter-party delegations, comprehensively carry out exchanges on theories and practical experiences in governing the party and the country. Jointly deepen the understanding of adhering to party leadership and advancing the socialist cause amidst the profound changes unseen in a century.

3. Railway Cooperation

One important event in which Xi participated was the launch ceremony for the China-Vietnam Railway Cooperation mechanism. One key aspect of this cooperation is to replace the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong railway from a meter gauge to a standard gauge (1435mm), which would complete Vietnam's northern standard gauge railway network.

Both sides highly appreciate China's approval of the Exchange of Notes for the feasibility study of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong standard gauge railway project. They agree to carry out the feasibility study as soon as possible and strive for early commencement of construction. They will accelerate research on the railway connection plan between Hekou and Lao Cai to lay the foundation for early implementation. Both sides welcome the signing of the Exchange of Notes for the planning project of the Dong Dang-Hanoi and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Haiphong standard gauge railway lines.

Zhao Weihua, a leading Vietnam studies expert at Fudan University, believes this is a crucial link for Vietnam to open trade channels with Europe. Vietnam's trade with the European Union has grown rapidly in recent years. Vietnam is eager to open connectivity channels to the EU through China, which is why it has been advancing international intermodal transportation initiatives with China since 2017. Vietnam hopes to deliver tropical fruits and vegetables, other agricultural products, and aquatic products to the EU within their shelf life, with a maximum transit period of about 15 days. However, delays occur when cross-border railways between China and Vietnam involve switching between meter gauge and standard gauge tracks.

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Below is the full text translation of the China-Vietnam Joint Statement:

Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Continuously Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and Accelerating the Building of a China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future of Strategic Significance

Xinhua News Agency, Hanoi, April 15 - Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Continuously Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and Accelerating the Building of a China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future of Strategic Significance

I. At the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Luong Cuong, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Vietnam from April 14 to 15, 2025.

During the visit, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping held talks with General Secretary To Lam, and separately met with President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. In a friendly and candid atmosphere, both sides briefed each other on their respective Party and national situations, had an in-depth exchange of views on further deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, advancing the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance, and international and regional issues of common concern, reaching important consensus.

II. Both sides agreed to unswervingly advance China-Vietnam friendship.

Both sides believe that China and Vietnam are connected by geography, similar in culture, close in people's hearts, share the same system, and are linked by destiny. They are good neighbors, good friends, good comrades, and good partners. Both are socialist countries under the leadership of Communist Parties, both committed to the happiness of their people and the prosperity of their countries, and to the noble cause of human peace and progress.

Both sides reviewed the development of relations between the two Parties and countries over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. China was the first country in the world to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam), and Vietnam was the first country in Southeast Asia to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Regardless of changes in the international situation, the two sides have always fought side by side and supported each other in the struggle for national independence and liberation, and have always learned from each other and advanced together in exploring socialist paths suited to their respective national conditions and distinctive modernization paths. The Vietnamese Party, state, and people have always highly valued and cherished the strong support and tremendous assistance provided by the Chinese Party, state, and people. Both sides agreed that the traditional friendship of "Vietnam-China deep friendship, comrades plus brothers," personally established and carefully nurtured by Chairman Mao Zedong, President Ho Chi Minh, and other leaders of the older generation, has stood the test of time and is a precious treasure of the two peoples that must be well inherited, maintained, and carried forward.

In the new era, under the strategic guidance of General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary To Lam, and other leaders of the two Parties and countries, China-Vietnam relations have achieved leapfrog development. Especially since the announcement in December 2023 to build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance, China-Vietnam relations have entered a new stage characterized by higher political mutual trust, more practical security cooperation, deeper pragmatic cooperation, stronger public support, closer multilateral coordination, and better management and resolution of differences. Comprehensive strategic cooperation has yielded fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.

Facing changes in the world, the times, and history, China emphasizes adhering to its friendly policy toward Vietnam and always regards Vietnam as a priority direction of its neighborhood diplomacy. Vietnam reiterates that it always regards its relations with China as a consistent position, objective requirement, and top priority of Vietnam's independent, self-reliant, diverse, and multilateral foreign policy. This is a strategic choice of both sides.

Both sides agreed to firmly support each other in maintaining strategic autonomy and independently choosing development paths suited to their respective national conditions, adhere to the political guidance of the highest leaders of the two Parties and countries, view each other's development as opportunities for their own development, approach and develop China-Vietnam relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, adhere to the policy of "long-term stability, future orientation, good-neighborliness and comprehensive cooperation," the spirit of "good neighbors, good friends, good comrades, good partners," and the overall goal of "six betters." Taking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity, both sides will continuously deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, accelerate the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance, promote higher-quality development of mutually beneficial cooperation, advance bilateral strategic coordination to a deeper level, better benefit the peoples of both countries, make important contributions to regional stability and development as well as the cause of human peace and progress, and set a positive example for building a community with a shared future for mankind.

III. Both sides reaffirmed their unwavering support for each other in pursuing socialist paths suited to their respective national conditions

The Vietnamese side warmly congratulated China on the successful convening of the Two Sessions, congratulated China on achieving historic accomplishments and transformations in economic and social development, and supported China in comprehensively advancing its strong country building and national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. Vietnam believes that China's further comprehensive deepening of reform, expansion of opening-up, and achievement of high-quality development will provide new opportunities for the modernization process of developing countries, including Vietnam. The Vietnamese side wishes and believes that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the Chinese Party, government, and people will definitely complete all the goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan with high quality, build China into a great modern socialist country in all respects, and successfully achieve the second centenary goal.

The Chinese side warmly congratulated the Communist Party of Vietnam on its 95th founding anniversary and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on its 80th founding anniversary. China congratulated and highly appreciated the important achievements Vietnam has made in nearly 40 years of implementing the Doi Moi (Renewal) cause and nearly 15 years of implementing the "National Construction Program during the Transition Period to Socialism (supplemented and revised in 2011)," which has promoted Vietnam's rapid economic growth, significantly improved people's living standards, deeply and extensively integrated into international politics, global economy, and human civilization, assumed important international responsibilities, and played an active role in multiple international organizations and multilateral platforms. China wishes and believes that under the strong leadership of the CPV Central Committee headed by Comrade To Lam, the Vietnamese Party, state, and people will definitely successfully achieve the goals and tasks set by the 13th National Congress of the CPV, well prepare for and successfully convene the 14th National Congress of the CPV in 2026, lead Vietnam into a new era of development, and successfully build a socialist Vietnam that is prosperous, strong, democratic, equitable, and civilized. China reaffirms its support for Vietnam's national development and prosperity, people's happiness, building a strong, independent, and self-reliant economic system, coordinating advancement of the renewal cause, industrialization, and modernization, fully integrating into the international community, developing extensive friendly foreign relations, and playing a more important role in regional and global peace, stability, development, and prosperity.

IV. Both sides confirmed their commitment to jointly elevate strategic mutual trust to a higher level

Both sides reaffirmed that high-level guidance, especially the strategic guidance of the highest leaders of the two Parties and countries, plays an irreplaceable and important role in the healthy and stable development of China-Vietnam relations. They agreed to continue close contact between the high-level leaders of the two Parties and countries through various forms such as bilateral visits, exchange of special envoys, hotline calls, and exchange of letters, to conduct timely strategic communication on the relations between the two Parties and countries, major issues of common concern, and the current international and regional situation, and to firmly grasp the correct direction of China-Vietnam relations.

Both sides agreed to continue to fully leverage the special role of inter-Party channels, further strengthen the exchange and cooperation mechanisms between the two Parties, especially the role of high-level meetings between the two Parties and theoretical seminars between the two Parties, and enhance the effectiveness of exchanges and cooperation between corresponding departments of the two Party central committees and between local Party organizations of the two countries, especially those in bordering provinces (regions). Through theoretical seminars between the two Parties, cadre training cooperation programs, and inter-Party delegation exchanges, the two sides will comprehensively conduct exchanges on theories and practical experiences in governing the Party and the country, jointly deepen understanding of upholding Party leadership and promoting the development and growth of the socialist cause amid the once-in-a-century changes in the world, serving the development of Party building and the socialist cause of each side.

Both sides will further strengthen friendly exchanges and cooperation between the National People's Congress of China and the National Assembly of Vietnam, between the Chinese government and the Vietnamese government, and between the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the Vietnam Fatherland Front. They will successfully hold the meeting of the joint committee between the National People's Congress of China and the National Assembly of Vietnam, as well as friendly exchange activities between the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and organizations of border provinces. They will leverage the coordinating role of the China-Vietnam Bilateral Cooperation Steering Committee to guide departments and localities of both countries in advancing the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. They will deepen political security cooperation, designate the China-Vietnam "3+3" (Diplomatic, Defence, and Public Security) strategic dialogue mechanism involving diplomatic, defense, and public security departments at the ministerial level, and convene the first ministerial-level meeting in due course.

Both sides will continue to implement the agreement between the two foreign ministries on strengthening cooperation under the new circumstances, maintain regular contact between the leaders of the two ministries, including strategic consultations between executive vice foreign ministers and annual diplomatic consultations, strengthen exchanges between corresponding departments and bureaus, implement personnel training programs, support and facilitate the improvement of conditions for diplomatic facilities of both countries, and support the official opening of the Vietnamese Consulate General in Chongqing in the first half of 2025.

The Vietnamese side reaffirmed its firm adherence to the One-China policy, recognizing that there is only one China in the world, that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. Vietnam supports the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and China's cause of reunification, firmly opposes "Taiwan independence"（forces) activities in any form, and consistently supports the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. Vietnam will not develop official relations with Taiwan in any form. Vietnam considers issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet as China's internal affairs and supports China in maintaining the development and stability of Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet. China highly appreciates Vietnam's aforementioned positions and supports Vietnam in maintaining social stability, safeguarding national security and development, and achieving great national unity.

V. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to building a more practical pillar of security cooperation

Defense and security cooperation is one of the pillars of China-Vietnam relations and has made important contributions to consolidating strategic mutual trust between the two Parties and countries. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation mechanisms between defense, public security, security, supreme courts, supreme procuratorates, and other departments, enhance counterpart exchanges between justice ministries, and advance the following key areas of cooperation:

Both sides agreed to strengthen high-level and various-level exchanges between the two militaries, give full play to mechanisms such as border defense friendly exchange activities and defense security consultations, strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries in political work, personnel training, strategic research, joint research and other fields, enhance cooperation in defense industry, mutual visits of naval vessels, and joint exercises and training, and continue to strengthen cooperation in medical and health services, UN peacekeeping, and non-traditional security areas. They will deepen border defense cooperation, strengthen coordination on border management, conduct joint patrols along the land boundary, and encourage the establishment of friendly relations between the border defense forces of the two countries. They will strengthen friendly exchanges in border areas. They will give full play to the joint patrol mechanism in the Beibu Gulf waters, conduct joint patrols in the Beibu Gulf, and deepen cooperation and exchange mechanisms between the navies and coast guards of the two countries.

Both sides agreed to strengthen high-level exchanges between law enforcement agencies, give full play to mechanisms such as the ministerial meeting on cooperation in combating crime, strategic security dialogue, and the joint working group on political security, effectively carry out cooperation in security, intelligence, counter-terrorism and other fields, accelerate the establishment of a hotline between the public security ministries of the two countries, and jointly combat various forms of cross-border crimes. They will deepen cooperation between China's law enforcement and security departments and Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security, strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism, combating online gambling and telecom fraud, cybercrime, economic crime, human trafficking, entry-exit management, fugitive repatriation, asset recovery, and other areas. They will strengthen the exchange of information, intelligence, and experiences regarding anti-interference, anti-separatism, and prevention of "color revolutions" by hostile forces. They will expand cooperation between China's Ministry of Emergency Management and Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security. They will strengthen cooperation in the legal and judicial fields, implement the memorandums of understanding on cooperation between the justice ministries of the two countries and between China's Ministry of Justice and Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security, hold the first border meeting of judicial administrative departments within the year, continuously improve the judicial assistance mechanism, and enhance the exchange and mutual learning of experiences in socialist rule of law construction.

VI. Both sides agreed to take the opportunity of China developing new quality productive forces and Vietnam developing new-type productive forces to build a more extensive and in-depth pattern of all-round cooperation

Both sides will accelerate the alignment of development strategies, effectively implement the cooperation planning for the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with the "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle" framework, and prioritize accelerating the interconnection of railways, highways, and port infrastructure between the two countries.

Both sides will leverage the role of the China-Vietnam Railway Cooperation Joint Committee mechanism, effectively implement the intergovernmental agreement on cross-border standard gauge railway cooperation projects, and promote the connection of China-Vietnam cross-border standard gauge railways. China is willing to explore technical and human resources training cooperation with Vietnam. Both sides highly appreciate China's approval of the Exchange of Notes for the feasibility study of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong standard gauge railway project. They agree to carry out the feasibility study as soon as possible and strive for early commencement of construction. They will accelerate research on the railway connection plan between Hekou and Lao Cai to lay the foundation for early implementation. Both sides welcome the signing of the Exchange of Notes for the planning project of the Dong Dang-Hanoi and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Haiphong standard gauge railway lines.

Both sides will strengthen technical exchange and cooperation in highways, highly appreciate the commencement of construction of the Red River boundary bridge between Basa (China) and Ba Xa (Vietnam), and promote the commencement of construction of the cross-border transportation project at the Tianbao (China)-Cửa khẩu Thanh Thủy (Vietnam). Both sides will continue to leverage the role of the China-Vietnam Land Border Port Management Cooperation Committee mechanism, accelerate the construction of smart ports at the Youyiguan-Huu Nghi and Puzhai-Tan Thanh freight-dedicated channels, and promote them at other qualified ports such as Dongxing-Mong Cai as appropriate, enhancing the "soft connectivity" of smart customs. They will support strengthening cooperation in land, air, and rail transportation, continue to work on revising the "Border Railway Agreement," develop China-Vietnam international railway intermodal transport, promote the resumption of international intermodal passenger trains, open more China-Vietnam cross-border trains, and provide facilitation for railway port inspection, quarantine, and cargo clearance. Subject to the time slot management rules of both sides, they will provide facilitation for airlines of both countries to extend and increase landing and takeoff slots and develop markets in both countries, and encourage airlines of both countries to restore and add flights according to market demand. Vietnam welcomes its airlines to introduce and operate Chinese commercial aircraft through various means, and supports further strengthening cooperation in the field of Chinese commercial aircraft.

Both sides will strengthen the alignment of China-Vietnam economic strategies and the alignment of regional development strategies such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Yangtze River Delta region, and the extension of the "Two Corridors and One Economic Circle"("Kunming-Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong-Quang Ninh," "Nanning-Lang Son-Hanoi-Haiphong-Quang Ninh" economic corridors and the Beibu Gulf Economic Rim) economic corridor to Chongqing. Both sides encourage and support enterprises with strength, reputation, and advanced technology to invest in each other's countries and will create a fair and convenient business environment for this purpose. They welcome cooperation between enterprises of the two countries in researching and applying 5G technology. They will strengthen cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, green development, and digital economy. They will leverage the role of the working group on the study of China-Vietnam cross-border economic cooperation zone construction model, actively explore pilot projects of cross-border economic cooperation zone models, and jointly build safe and stable industrial and supply chains. Both sides agreed to deepen exchanges of experiences in state-owned enterprise reform and management, and carry out personnel training cooperation. They will make good use of the working group on financial and monetary cooperation between the two countries, strengthen information communication and experience sharing on policy regulation and reform in the financial and monetary fields, effectively implement cross-border QR code interconnection cooperation, explore expanding the scope of local currency settlement, and enhance the ability to resist financial risks. They will explore cooperation in critical minerals subject to their respective laws, regulations, and industrial policies. They will accelerate the implementation of cooperation projects in the fields of livelihood, including the second branch of the Traditional Medicine Hospital and the maintenance and repair of the Sino-Vietnamese Friendship Palace.

Both sides agreed to give full play to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (ACFTA), and promote bilateral trade development in a balanced direction. They will leverage the roles of the trade facilitation working group and the e-commerce cooperation working group to continuously tap the potential of bilateral trade. They will promote e-commerce cooperation between enterprises of the two countries. They will properly resolve trade differences through dialogue and consultation to create greater space for cooperation between the business communities of both sides.

Both sides welcomed the signing of protocols for the export of chili, passion fruit, swiftlet nest, and edible bird's nest, and rice bran to China. China is actively advancing the access procedures for Vietnamese agricultural products such as citrus fruits and medicinal herbs of plant origin. Vietnam will accelerate the import of sturgeon from China. Both sides will strengthen customs cooperation, expand the export of advantageous products to each other's countries, and effectively implement the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) mutual recognition plan and "single window" cooperation. China welcomes Vietnam to hold trade promotion activities in China, promote Vietnamese brands in China, and is willing to continue creating conditions for Vietnam to establish trade promotion offices in Haikou (Hainan) and other relevant places as soon as possible. Both sides agreed to jointly improve the customs clearance efficiency of ports, border resident channels, and border trade points to reduce customs clearance pressure.

Both sides will continue to leverage the role of the China-Vietnam Agricultural Cooperation Joint Committee and the Beibu Gulf Fishery Joint Committee, and promote practical cooperation in high-tech agriculture such as crop planting and deep processing, food security assurance, and comprehensive quarantine. They agreed to sign the Beibu Gulf Fishery Cooperation Agreement as soon as possible and carry out cooperation in joint proliferation and conservation of fishery resources in the Beibu Gulf. They will effectively implement the agreement on hotline for emergencies in maritime fishing activities and the agreement on maritime search and rescue cooperation.

Both sides will strengthen exchange and cooperation in environmental pollution control, especially urban air pollution control. They will strengthen cooperation in disaster prevention and mitigation, climate change response, water resources, and meteorology, and exchange hydrological data during flood seasons. They will strengthen cooperation in integrated water resources management. They will strive to make scientific and technological cooperation a new highlight of bilateral cooperation, explore cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, nuclear energy, and other fields, effectively implement the China-Vietnam Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, continue to give full play to the role of the Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, deepen the alignment of science and technology innovation policies, conduct joint research in medicine and health, disaster prevention and mitigation, clean energy, green agriculture, and other fields, strengthen scientific, technological, and humanistic exchanges between China and Vietnam, advance cooperation in technology transfer, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and encourage research institutions and enterprises of both sides to carry out technical research and development and training exchange cooperation projects. They will strengthen cooperation in nuclear safety regulations, management provisions, standardization, and other fields, and explore cooperation in nuclear power development. They will continue to effectively implement the intellectual property cooperation agreement between the two sides and explore cooperation in geographical indication protection. They will continue to cooperate and exchange information in health care, including healthcare, prevention and control of infectious diseases, and traditional medicine.

VII. Both sides will jointly consolidate the public support foundation for the China-Vietnam community with a shared future

Both sides reaffirmed that they will take the opportunity of the 75th anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic relations and the "Year of China-Vietnam Humanistic Exchanges" in 2025 to successfully organize a series of humanistic exchange activities that connect hearts, bring warmth, and resonate with people, consolidating public support between the two countries. They will fully tap into the "red resources" of exchanges between the two Parties. China invites Vietnamese youth to China for a "Red Study Tour" to enhance mutual understanding and friendly feelings between the peoples of the two countries, especially the younger generation.

Both sides emphasized that the publicity departments of the two Parties should strengthen publicity and education on the traditional friendship between the two Parties and countries and on China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperation. They will strengthen cooperation between the media, press and publications, radio and television of the two countries. Both sides agreed to effectively implement the memorandum of understanding on digital media cooperation between the competent authorities of the two countries, and continue to promote mutual translation and broadcasting of outstanding audio-visual works of the two countries. They will carry out in-depth mutual translation projects of Chinese and Vietnamese classic works.

Both sides support exchanges and cooperation between local authorities, especially border provinces (regions). They highly appreciate the outcomes of the New Year meetings between the Party Secretaries of China's Guangxi and Vietnam's Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, and Ha Giang provinces, as well as the annual meetings between the Party Secretaries of China's Yunnan Province and Vietnam's Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Dien Bien, and Lai Chau provinces. They will strengthen exchanges between labor unions, women's organizations, youth organizations, and other mass organizations, as well as sister cities of the two countries. They will continue to successfully hold brand activities such as China-Vietnam Youth Friendly Meetings, China-Vietnam People's Forum, and border residents' grand gatherings.

Both sides will solidly implement the 2023-2027 Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Implementation Plan between the cultural and tourism authorities of the two countries, and encourage cultural institutions, art troupes of the two countries to carry out exchanges and cooperation. Vietnam supports the activities of the Chinese Cultural Center in Hanoi, and China welcomes Vietnam to establish a cultural center in Beijing as soon as possible. They will strengthen policy coordination and communication in tourism, jointly develop tourism routes, create tourism products, and promote the healthy development of the tourism industry. They will operate well the China-Vietnam Detian (Ban Gioc) Waterfall Cross-border Tourism Cooperation Zone and encourage tourists from both sides to travel to each other's countries.

Both sides agreed to effectively implement the China-Vietnam Education Cooperation Agreement and strengthen exchanges of teachers, students, and scholars. China welcomes and encourages more outstanding Vietnamese students to study in China and is willing to continue providing more scholarships for studying in China. They will deepen cooperation in vocational education. They will promote language education exchanges between the two countries, jointly conduct training for local Chinese language teachers in Vietnam, effectively implement the International Chinese Teacher Scholarship provided by China to Vietnam, actively leverage the role of the Confucius Institute at Hanoi University and the "Chinese Bridge" competition, and deepen cooperation in education and teaching. They will strengthen exchanges between universities and think tanks of the two countries.

VIII. Both sides agreed to conduct closer multilateral strategic coordination.

Both sides reaffirmed that strengthening multilateral coordination is an essential element in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Both sides reaffirmed their firm commitment to upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, and to adhering to the basic norms of international relations based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Vietnam congratulated China on successfully holding the commemorative event for the 70th anniversary of the issuance of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Faced with the uncertainty, instability, and unpredictability of the international situation, both sides will persist in upholding multilateralism, jointly defend international fairness and justice and the common interests of developing countries, maintain solidarity and cooperation of the international community, uphold the common values of all humanity featuring peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom, support equal and orderly world multipolarity and inclusive economic globalization, and promote the development of global governance in a more just and reasonable direction. Both sides emphasized that they will jointly oppose hegemonism and power politics, all forms of unilateralism, and all practices that endanger regional peace and stability.

Both sides agreed to promote cooperation under the framework of major concepts and initiatives such as building a community with a shared future for mankind, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative to jointly address global challenges. Both sides are willing to work together to implement cooperation under the framework of the Global Civilization Initiative, jointly promote exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, and enhance people-to-people connectivity. They will actively implement the memorandum of understanding on strengthening human resources development cooperation within the framework of the Global Development Initiative. They will effectively implement various documents on advancing cooperation between the Global Development Initiative and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and support connectivity between China and countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion. They will strengthen coordination in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and mutually support each other in elections for positions in international organizations. Vietnam positively evaluates the important role of BRICS in promoting solidarity and cooperation among emerging market countries, is willing to maintain communication on becoming a BRICS partner country, and is willing to strengthen cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Both sides noted relevant trade and investment restriction measures and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the open, transparent, inclusive, and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system based on rules with the World Trade Organization at its core, and promoting the development of economic globalization in a more open, inclusive, balanced, and win-win direction.

Both sides will jointly implement the "International Economic and Trade Cooperation Framework Initiative on Digital Economy and Green Development." They will advance high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and actively welcome the application of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China to join RCEP. Vietnam supports China's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on the basis of meeting the agreement's standards and procedures. Both sides emphasized the importance of cooperation in combating cybercrime, welcomed the adoption of the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime by the UN General Assembly, called on countries to actively sign and ratify the Convention, and promote its early entry into force. China supports Vietnam in hosting the signing ceremony of the Convention in Hanoi in 2025. Vietnam supports China in hosting the APEC meeting in 2026, and China supports Vietnam in hosting the APEC meeting in 2027. Both sides will strengthen exchanges and close coordination to ensure the success of these meetings.

Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region and agreed to practice open regionalism. China supports ASEAN in building a united, unified, strong, and developed ASEAN Community, and supports ASEAN in maintaining its central position in the evolving regional architecture in the Asia-Pacific. China is willing to work with ASEAN countries to promote the initiative on jointly building "five homes" of peace, tranquility, prosperity, beauty, and friendship, promote the accelerated signing and implementation of the CAFTA 3.0 (China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0), and is committed to promoting a higher level of regional economic integration. Both sides agreed to continue coordinating to advance Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) and Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Cooperation to achieve a more integrated, prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive subregional vision, and to promote the building of a Lancang-Mekong community with a shared future for peace and prosperity. They will successfully hold the 5th LMC Leaders' Meeting and the 10th Foreign Ministers' Meeting in 2025. China supports Vietnam's role as the co-chair of LMC in 2026-2027, and both sides will coordinate closely and co-host relevant mechanism meetings.

Both sides believe that safeguarding and protecting human rights is a common cause of all humanity. It is necessary to start from the actual situations of various countries and explore human rights development paths that meet the needs of the people. They are willing to conduct human rights exchanges and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and equality, strengthen international dialogue and cooperation in the field of human rights, and jointly promote the healthy development of global human rights. They firmly oppose the politicization, instrumentalization, and double standards on human rights issues, as well as the use of human rights issues to arbitrarily interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

IX. Both sides agreed to properly manage and resolve differences and maintain the overall friendly relations between China and Vietnam

Both sides had in-depth and candid exchanges of views on maritime issues, emphasizing the need to better manage and actively resolve maritime differences and jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. Both sides agreed to adhere to the consensus reached by the high-level leaders of the two Parties and countries, persist in friendly consultations, actively seek basic and lasting solutions acceptable to both sides and in line with the Agreement on Basic Principles Guiding the Settlement of Sea-Related Issues between China and Vietnam and international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, refrain from actions that would complicate the situation or expand disputes, and jointly maintain maritime stability. They will promote consultations on joint development at sea and on the delimitation of waters outside the mouth of the Beibu Gulf, with a view to achieving substantive progress at an early date. They will actively cooperate in low-sensitivity maritime fields and strengthen maritime search and rescue cooperation.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and to reach an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) consistent with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, at an early date on the basis of consensus.

Both sides agreed to give full play to the mechanisms of the China-Vietnam Land Boundary Joint Committee and the Border Port Management Cooperation Committee, continue to effectively implement the three legal documents on the China-Vietnam land boundary and related agreements, strengthen management in border areas, and actively promote the opening and upgrading of border ports. They will continue to effectively implement the Agreement on Navigation in the Free Navigation Zone of the Beilun River Estuary.

X. Both sides agreed to effectively implement the cooperation documents signed during this visit

During the visit, both sides signed cooperation documents in the fields of interconnectivity, customs inspection and quarantine, agricultural product trade, defense, science and technology, culture and sports, education, people's livelihood, human resources development, media, and local exchanges.

XI. Both sides agreed that General Secretary and President Xi Jinping's state visit to Vietnam was a complete success and an important milestone in the history of relations between the two Parties and countries, making important contributions to carrying forward the traditional friendship between China and Vietnam, accelerating the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance, and promoting peace, stability, prosperity, and development in the region and the world under the new circumstances. The Parties and peoples of both countries are sincerely pleased with this.

General Secretary and President Xi Jinping sincerely thanked General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, as well as Vietnamese Party and state leaders and the Vietnamese people for their grand, warm, and friendly reception, and cordially invited General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong to visit China again at an early date.

General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong expressed their appreciation and gladly accepted the invitation.