China’s Xinhua News Agency on March 20 quoted Jia as saying upon his landing at Noi Bai International Airport that he saw with his own eyes the tremendous achievements of Vietnam’s Doi Moi (Renewal) process.

The agency also said that during talks with Phan Dien, Politburo member and member of the Vietnam Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, Mr Jia spoke highly of the strong development of relations between the two Parties and States under the 16-word motto as defined by the two countries’ leaders, particularly in economic and trade co-operation. He noted that border issues between the two countries have been gradually resolved and the implementation of the Bac Bo (Tonkin) Gulf Demarcation Agreement and the Fishing Co-operation Agreement in the gulf has been well on track. The two sides also reached high consensus on exploiting resources in the East Sea.

The Party Central Committee and the Government of China give priority to developing Vietnam-China relations in its diplomatic policy in the region, said Mr Jia.

He added that to further boost bilateral ties between the two Parties, States and people, China, together with Vietnam, will continue to maintain visit exchanges between the two countries’ leaders to build on trust, consolidate political consensus and enhance economic and trade co-operation.

The two countries agreed to expand bilateral trade exchanges, better implement the signed agreements and co-ordinate closely in dealing with regional and international economic issues. For the long-term benefit, they agreed to speed up the demarcation of the land border issues, increase oil exploration and exploitation and fishing co-operation in the Tonkin Gulf, as well as exploitation in the East Sea.

Mr Jia wished Vietnam success in its upcoming 10^th National Party Congress and greater achievements in the process of Doi Moi (Renewal) and socialist construction.

Chinese Central Television and major newspapers also gave a wide coverage on the Vietnam visit by Mr Jia. 

At a press conference on March 21, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang said the two countries have established a fine relationship through regular reciprocal visits. He noted that bilateral trade has flourished in recent years, and China is now Vietnam’s largest trade partner. Border issues have been regularly resolved. The Fishing Co-operation Agreement in the Tonkin Gulf has been put in place for implementation, while co-operation in the East Sea has also been bolstered. Exchanges between the two Parties and young generations of the two countries have also been promoted.

In the coming time, the spokesperson suggested that the two countries boost exchanges and in-depth co-operation, speed up the demarcation and plantation of border markers on land, as well as co-operation in the Tonkin Gulf, tackle East Sea issues as soon as possible and increase co-operation in other areas.

He said Mr Jia’s visit is part of high-level exchanges between the two countries, which would add new impetus to the growing ties between the two countries and Parties.