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.
Chinh congratulated China on its recent positive development achievements and emphasized that fostering friendly and cooperative relations with China is a consistent policy, an objective necessity, and a strategic choice, as well as a top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy.
He Wei for his part reaffirmed China’s high regard for relations with Vietnam, stating that Vietnam-China ties remain a priority in China’s diplomatic agenda. He conveyed Lunar New Year greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders, commended Vietnam’s remarkable socio-economic achievements in 2024, and pledged China's support in strengthening mutual trust and advancing strategic cooperation.
Both sides highly valued the regular maintenance of high-level exchanges and interactions, as well as the increasingly comprehensive and diverse mechanisms for exchange and cooperation between the two countries, reflecting a high level of mutual trust.
They expressed delight at the recent successful phone call between General Secretary To Lam and General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, helping to outline strategic directions and provide new momentum for the relationship between the two Parties and two countries.
Notably, they said, two-way trade hit US$205.2 billion in 2024, a 19.3% increase, with China maintaining its position as the largest investor in new projects in Vietnam and Chinese tourist arrivals reaching 3.8 million, up 114% year-over-year.
Chinh proposed enhancing high-level meetings, improving cooperation mechanisms between the Communist Parties, Governments, and legislative bodies of the two countries, and fostering collaboration across ministries and localities. He emphasized the importance of practical cooperation to deliver tangible benefits to the people of both countries, including advancing transport connectivity projects through three key railway lines of Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong, Lang Son – Hanoi, and Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong.
He also called for more Chinese market access for Vietnamese agricultural products and increased cooperation in areas such as agriculture, finance, science and technology, education, culture, tourism, and environmental protection. He urged both sides to strengthen land border management and focus on symbolic, large-scale projects that reflect the significance of their bilateral relations.
On maritime issues, Chinh stressed the need to adhere to the “Agreement on Basic Principles Guiding the Settlement of Maritime Issues,” respect each other's legitimate rights and interests, and resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He advocated for humanitarian approaches to fishing-related issues, the effective use of maritime negotiation mechanisms, and the development of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea.
Ambassador He expressed China's willingness to work with Vietnam to promote balanced and sustainable economic, trade, investment, and tourism partnerships. He also proposed joint implementation of activities commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025 as part of the Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange.
