Vietnam's consistent policy prioritizes relations with China

He made this statement during a meeting with member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Permanent Vice Premier of the State Council of China Ding Xuexiang on the sidelines of the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21. 

During the meeting, PM Chinh conveyed New Year greetings from Vietnam’s top leaders to Chinese counterparts, including General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji, and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning.

 Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang also extended New Year wishes from China’s leadership to Vietnamese key leaders.

Both sides rejoiced over the positive development of the Vietnam-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and their efforts to build a future-shared community. This includes the recent successful phone call between Party General Secretary To Lam and President Xi Jinping, officially launching the Vietnam-China Year of Cultural Exchange and commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of prioritizing its relationship with China. He also expressed Vietnam’s support for China's global initiatives on development, security, and civilization, proposed by President Xi, believing these initiatives will bring mutual benefits to all nations.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized China’s high regard for its relationship with Vietnam and expressed confidence that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, headed by Party General Secretary To Lam, Vietnam will successfully hold the 14th National Party Congress and usher in a new era of development.

Regarding the orientation for promoting relations between the two countries in the coming time, the Vietnamese Government chief proposed that the two sides continue to promote high-level and other level visits and contacts, review and effectively implement signed cooperation agreements, and strengthen economic connections. He emphasized the importance of focusing on large, symbolic projects, particularly in cooperation on capital, technology, and human resource training. Key initiatives include the development of standard gauge railway projects connecting Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong by 2025, and the future routes from Lang Son - Hanoi and Mong Cai - Ha Long - Hai Phong.

Alongside traditional areas of cooperation, Chinh suggested that both sides intensify collaboration in science and technology, innovation, and focus on areas where China excels, such as big data, cloud computing, quantum technology, and microbiology. He emphasized the importance of supporting Vietnam in successfully implementing the historic Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.

Expressing agreement and appreciation for the guidance provided by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang assured his nation's readiness to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Vietnam based on the "6 better" approach agreed upon by the leaders of both parties and countries.

He asked both sides to fast-track specific progress in key areas, especially projects symbolising the bilateral relationship, activities marking the Year of China - Vietnam Humanistic Exchange and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, while strengthening the Vietnam-China Community of with a shared future that carries strategic significance.