Speaking at the launch of the Vietnam–China Border People Exchange Festival 2026 in Nanning, Guangxi, on April 17, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, who was on a state visit to China, stressed that stronger public engagement, especially among border communities and younger generations, will be key to sustaining long-term bilateral ties.

Noting the historical depth of Vietnam–China relations, he said that generations of people from both countries have contributed to building a relationship rooted in solidarity and mutual support. He recalled key historical sites in China’s Guangxi region linked to Vietnam’s revolutionary past, describing them as enduring symbols of shared struggles and close bonds between the two countries.

According to the Vietnamese leader, such connections underscore the importance of strengthening exchanges among border communities and younger generations, helping preserve traditional friendship while building trust for the future.

People-to-people exchanges are a vital bridge that strengthens mutual understanding and lays a solid social foundation for bilateral relations, he stressed.

Beyond reaffirming traditional ties, the Vietnamese leader underscored the need to translate traditional friendship into more concrete and effective cooperation. He called for expanding practical collaboration across sectors to ensure bilateral relations deliver real benefits to people, particularly those living in border areas.

The leader identified science, technology and innovation as key pillars for elevating Vietnam–China relations. He expressed hope that China’s Guangxi region would support Vietnamese localities in projects related to digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and smart infrastructure, especially in border regions.

At the same time, Party General Secretary and President To Lam called for renewed approaches to cooperation, moving beyond traditional cultural exchanges such as festivals and exhibitions. He emphasised the need to promote cultural industries, preserve heritage in tandem with sustainable tourism, and develop high-quality cultural human resources to meet the demands of the digital era. He encouraged younger generations of both countries to nurture ambition and work together to “co-create the future,” serving as a bridge of knowledge and vitality for Vietnam - China ties.

The Vietnam - China Border People Exchange Festival 2026, themed “Strengthening social foundations for sustainable cooperation and development,” brought together officials, local representatives and citizens from both countries.

Co-organised by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the event serves as a platform to enhance exchanges and grassroots-level cooperation.

Top Vietnamese leader visits China–ASEAN AI Cooperation Centre

VOV.VN - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President To Lam toured the China–ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Application Cooperation Centre in Nanning, Guangxi, on April 17, as part of his ongoing state visit to China.