Vietnam and China to increase exchanges for strategic cooperation orientations

The two countries will enhance the effectiveness of cooperation mechanisms between the Parties, governments, parliaments, and other institutions; increase defense and security cooperation as a major pillar of bilateral ties; and create breakthroughs in economic cooperation.

They will prioritize the development of three standard-gauge railway links; expand trade and investment ties; and explore new fields of cooperation.

The agreements were reached during phone talks on January 15 between Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam and Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping.

The two leaders emphasized the significance of their conversation, marking an important and positive start to the Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange 2025, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (January 18, 1950 - 2025)

They reaffirmed the top priority each side places on the bilateral relationship between the two Parties and states, laying the foundation for effective cooperation in 2025 and beyond.

In a sincere and amicable atmosphere, the leaders reflected on the long-standing friendship between Vietnam and China over the past 75 years, which has generally maintained a positive development trend, achieving significant outcomes and practical benefits for their peoples.

In 2024, high-level exchanges took place frequently, fostering widespread friendliness and effective cooperation across all levels and sectors. Several high-level agreements, including the Vietnam-China Joint Statement in August 2024, are being actively implemented.

To Lam extended condolences to the families of victims and all those affected by the recent severe earthquake in Tibet. He expressed his belief that, under the prompt leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, the Chinese people would overcome the disaster and restore stability.

At the same time, he also congratulated China on its achievements under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, led by Xi Jinping, and expressed optimism about its continued development and contributions to global peace and progress.

Xi Jinping for his part expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s timely condolences, and extended warm greetings to the Communist Party of Vietnam on its upcoming 95th founding anniversary (February 3, 1930 - 2025). He praised Vietnam’s recent comprehensive achievements and expressed his confidence that under the leadership of the Communist Party, Vietnam would successfully implement the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, successfully organize the 14th National Party Congress, achieve the two centennial goals of the founding of the Party and the nation, and steadfastly advance into a new era of national advancement toward socialism.

To Lam emphasized that Vietnam always values the precious support and assistance extended by the Party, State, and people of China throughout various historical periods. He reaffirmed that Vietnam consistently regards the development of relations with China as a top priority in its overall foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, and multilateralization.

Meanwhile, Xi Jinping also reaffirmed that China prioritizes the development of relations with Vietnam in its neighborhood diplomacy policy. He appreciated Vietnam’s efforts to promote high-quality agricultural products in the Chinese market.

The two leaders jointly announced the commencement of the Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange 2025. They agreed to coordinate commemorative activities marking 75 years of diplomatic relations and to promote mutual understanding, especially among the younger generations.

Both leaders shared updates on their respective countries and Parties, agreed to deepen exchanges on socialist theory and practice, and pledged to cooperate on regional and international issues to promote peace, stability, and development.

To Lam proposed that the two sides actively seek effective methods to manage and resolve disagreements based on the United Nations Charter and international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He extended an invitation to Xi Jinping and his spouse to visit Vietnam in 2025, and the invitation was accepted with pleasure.

In the leadup to the Lunar New Year 2025, the two leaders extended New Year greetings to the Parties, states, and people of both countries, wishing them prosperity, health, and new achievements in their socialist endeavors. They expressed hope for the continued healthy and stable development of bilateral relations, contributing to regional and global peace, stability, and development.