Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit takes place prior to the 67^th anniversary of diplomatic ties and furnishes an opportunity for leaders of the two countries to discuss ways to develop a healthy and long-lasting relationship.

Friendly cooperation

The traditional good-neighbor friendship between Vietnam and China has been strengthened by both countries’ leaders, including Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Chinese President Mao Zedong. Despite occasional differences, friendly cooperation remains the main theme.

Friendly cooperation between Vietnam and China has progressed rapidly in many fields since the two normalized relations in 1991. The two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2008 in the interests of their people and international peace, stability, and prosperity. High-level exchanges have been organized regularly to enhance political trust, and practical cooperation, and to ensure a more effective relationship.

Vietnamese Ambassador to China Dang Minh Khoi said: “Cooperation between localities of Vietnam and China is important. Since 1991, cooperation involving 7 Vietnamese border provinces, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and several Chinese localities, have progressed significantly. They have enhanced trade, investment, people-to-people exchanges, and human resource development.”

Economic and trade ties have been stable and more balanced. In 2017 both countries intend to increase two-way trade to 100 billion USD. Last year about 2.3 million Chinese tourists visited Vietnam, an increase of 60%.

Consistently resolving disagreements

Both countries have striven to resolve disagreements in the East Sea. Senior Party and State leaders of both countries have reached a shared commitment to appropriately resolving maritime disputes with respect to each other’s legitimate rights and international law.

Both countries agree to abide by fundamental principles guiding the settlement of issues at sea and to effectively use the governmental negotiation mechanism on the Vietnam-China border. They agree to manage disputes at sea, to not complicate or heighten tensions, to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) toward a Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (COC), and to resolve disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, including the UNCLOS.

Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi said: “China is surging. Since 2010 China has been the 2^nd biggest economy in the world. It has recorded profound achievements in science and technology. China can only become stronger when the Asia-Pacific region has peace and stability. In our meetings, we told China that it should show the world that China is rising and contributing to regional peace and stability.”

Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to China affirms that Vietnam values their neighborliness and cooperation for mutual benefit. Vietnam hopes the Vietnam-China strategic comprehensive partnership will continue to flourish.