China attaches great importance to relations with Vietnam, says Wang Yi

Wang welcomed Vu’s working visit for the strategic consultation at the deputy foreign ministerial level between China and Vietnam, commending the results as a new step forward that reflects mutual trust and fruitful cooperation between the two countries.

He expressed China’s readiness to maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen political trust, foster substantive cooperation, and enhance public goodwill as the foundation of bilateral relations.

Vu for his part acknowledged China’s historic role as the first country to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam 75 years ago. He emphasized Vietnam’s appreciation for China’s valuable support throughout various periods and reaffirmed that developing relations with China is a strategic choice and a top priority in Vietnam’s independent, self-reliant, multilateral, and diversified foreign policy.

He proposed that both sides strengthen strategic exchanges and political trust through sustained high-level and multi-level contacts. He called for enhanced economic connectivity, focusing on large-scale and symbolic projects commensurate with the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and the shared future vision.

Priority should be given to advancing three railway projects connecting the two countries, with groundbreaking for the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong line targeted for 2025, he said.

On maritime issues, Vu urged both sides to adhere to agreements and high-level common perceptions, respect each other’s legitimate rights and interests under international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and resolve issues related to fishermen and fishing vessels amicably. He underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability while addressing the East Sea disputes in the current complex context.

Both host and guest agreed to continue close coordination to promote bilateral relations in line with the ‘six priorities’ defined by senior leaders and the concrete outcomes of the 16th session of the Vietnam-China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation held in December 2024.

Earlier on January 13, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu and his Chinese counterpart Ma Zhaoxu co-chaired the first strategic consultation at the deputy ministerial level between the two countries.

Both sides reaffirmed the significance of dialogue mechanisms in deepening the framework of the Vietnam-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and building a shared future of strategic importance. Discussions also covered bilateral relations, cooperation at multilateral forums, regional and international issues of mutual concern, and coordinated efforts to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.