The agreement was reached during the 16th conference of the Joint Working Committee of the four Vietnamese border provinces and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, held in Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province, on February 21.

The two sides agreed to increase exchanges and coordination to deepen cooperation in multiple sectors, particularly cross-border trade, tourism, education, and health care. They vowed to upgrade bilateral border gates to international border gates and improve customs clearance capacity.

They also agreed to strengthen security and safety management at border areas and checkpoints; and boost cooperation in combating cybercrime, drug-related crimes, counterfeit currency trafficking, human trafficking, and other cross-border crimes.

The delegates stressed the need to enhance joint efforts in disease prevention and combating illegal immigration to facilitate socio-economic development and ensure border security.

They were adamant that their cooperation has become increasingly comprehensive and practical, delivering tangible benefits. In 2024, they expanded friendly exchanges, conducted delegation visits, and rigorously enforced the three legal documents on the Vietnam-China land border, along with related agreements.

Trade and investment cooperation was strengthened, including the opening and upgrading of border gates to facilitate smoother customs clearance. Cooperation in education, health care, and anti-smuggling efforts was also intensified.

The two sides also successfully resumed the Beihai (China) – Ha Long (Vietnam) maritime tourism route. They frequently organized cultural and sports exchanges, by sending art troupes to perform at cultural festivals, sports events, and trade fairs hosted by both sides.

Liao Pinhu, vice chairman of the People’s Government of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, proposed several initiatives, including expanding training programmes for Vietnamese personnel, particularly in artificial intelligence and smart city development; establishing a joint operational mechanism for Ban Gioc Waterfall tourism and other cross-border tourist attractions; and restoring maritime tourism routes such as Fangchenggang – Ha Long and Beihai – Ha Long.

Following the success of the 2025 Early Spring Meeting between provincial and regional Party Secretaries, the 16th Joint Working Committee Conference took place on the afternoon of February 21 in Ha Long City (Quang Ninh). The event brought together representatives from the

The conference came hot on the heels of the spring meeting 2025 between leaders of the four Vietnamese border provinces and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, also held in Quang Ninh on February 20.

Vietnam reaffirms strong comprehensive strategic partnership with China

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed Vietnam’s desire to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with China, during a meeting with Ambassador He Wei in Hanoi on January 25 to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.