Significant importance

Binh, in an interview granted to the press ahead of Xi’s trip, said this is the leader’s first overseas visit in 2025, his fourth visit to Vietnam as China’s top leader, and the second during his current term that shows China’s strong commitment to deepening ties with Vietnam.

The visit comes during a crucial period for both countries, as Vietnam is implementing key reforms in preparation for its 14th National Party Congress, and China is achieving goals of its 14th five-year plan and preparing for the 15th five-year plan, aligned with the goals of the 20th Party Congress.

The diplomat noted that Vietnam-China relations have seen positive momentum in recent times, with notable cooperation across sectors. Both sides are marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and observing 2025 as the Year of Humanistic Exchange.

Xi’s visit creates the chance for high-ranking leaders to Vietnam and China to strategically review and assess bilateral relations; discuss the implementation of previous high-level agreements; and set directions for deepened, stable, and effective cooperation, said Binh.

According to the diplomat, the visit is highly valued by Vietnam and China, with careful preparation in both the schedule and content. The Chinese leader is scheduled to hold talks and meet with senior Vietnamese leaders, namely Party General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

Both sides will focus on sharing updates on each party and country; outlining strategic orientations for bilateral relations; promoting cooperation based on the six major goals; and enhancing the implementation of high-level agreements, and expanding cooperation across fields.

The six major goals were outlined during Xi’s visit to Vietnam in December 2024, that comprise stronger political trust, more substantial cooperation in defence – security, deeper and more practical cooperation, more solid social foundation, closer multilateral coordination, and better management and settlement of differences.

The visit this time is expected to be a historical milestone, bringing new momentum to the relations between the two parties and countries, said the ambassador, adding it will lay the foundation for strategic arrangements and development directions for the new phase.

He said the visit will help strengthen political trust, promote understanding and substantial cooperation, and contribute to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world at large.

Bilateral trade and infrastructure connectivity

Binh highlighted, two-way trade between Vietnam and China has experienced significant growth in recent times. Vietnam has maintained its position as China’s largest trade partner in ASEAN for many years, and in 2024 it became China’s fourth largest trade partner globally. Meanwhile, China is Vietnam’s largest trade partner, the biggest import market, and the second-largest export market for Vietnam.

Both countries are actively working to accelerate infrastructure connectivity, particularly in railways, highways, and border gate infrastructure, as part of the shared understanding between the high-level leadership of both parties. China has the technology, experience, financial strength, and large enterprises, while Vietnam has substantial development needs but limited resources, experience, technology, and human resources.

This complementary situation provides potential for mutual support and collaboration in strategic infrastructure development. The key projects include the standard gauge railway lines such as Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong, Dong Dang - Hanoi, and Mong Cai - Ha Long - Hai Phong, which are of strategic importance and symbolize the Vietnam-China relationship.

Currently, relevant agencies of Vietnam and China are actively engaged in discussions to implement these railway connections, which will create a favourable foundation for trade, economics, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, bringing significant benefits to both sides.

Moreover, the railway connectivity will enable Vietnamese goods to take advantage of railway transport routes connecting China to potential markets in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Middle East, contributing to diversifying Vietnam’s export markets. At the same time, high-quality Chinese products can enter the ASEAN market through these railway routes, benefiting from regional trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the ASEAN – China free trade agreement (ACFTA).

Year of Humanistic Exchange

In recent years, he said, the two countries have expanded cooperation in the field of people-to-people exchanges. Currently, there are over 23,000 Vietnamese students studying in China, and the number of Vietnamese tourists visiting China annually consistently ranks first among ASEAN countries. In 2024, Vietnam welcomed approximately 3.7 million Chinese visitors, and there are now 400 flights per week between the two countries.

2025 has been designated as the Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the countries. Since the beginning of the year, both sides have worked closely together to implement a wide range of people-to-people exchange activities.

At the end of March, Vietnamese and Chinese alumni met at a get-together at the Vietnam-China Friendship Palace in Hanoi. Speaking at the gathering, General Secretary To Lam urged the youth of both countries to be young cultural ambassadors who inherit the tradition of friendship and continue to play a key role in developing Vietnam-China relations effectively and sustainably.

Organisations, localities, and especially border provinces of the two countries, have carried out many friendly exchange activities, including conferences, cultural-artistic events, and tourism cooperation to celebrate the humanistic exchange year

In addition, both sides are increasing direct flights between major cities such as Hanoi and Fuzhou, Ho Chi Minh City and Beijing, while resuming flights between Hong Kong (China) and Ho Chi Minh City, helping to facilitate travel, business, and tourism activities between the two countries.

The two sides are now examining ways to organise youth exchanges to visit significant revolutionary sites, in order to promote and educate the youth of both countries about the longstanding and beautiful friendship between Vietnam and China.

Moving forward, the two countries will continue to implement a variety of cultural exchange activities, creating even more friendly bridges between their peoples and strengthening the social foundation for bilateral relations, said the ambassador.

Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping to visit Vietnam next week

VOV.VN - General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of China Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Vietnam on April 14 – 15, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.