China-Vietnam relations: A new phase of cooperation unveiled by Xi Jinping

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VIETNAM, Dec 12: Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his first visit to Vietnam since 2017, emphasizes the need for closer ties and urges the building of a strategic China-Vietnam community. During the two-day visit, he met with Nguyen Phu Trong, the general secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party, discussing the deepening of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership. Xi views Sino-Vietnamese relations strategically, expressing a long-term perspective and highlighting Vietnam as a priority in neighborhood diplomacy.

Xi anticipates a new phase characterized by higher political mutual trust, deeper cooperation, and improved management of differences. The visit follows Trong’s visit to China after Xi secured a third term as party chief, pledging to enhance their relationship. While Vietnam aims to strengthen economic ties with China, challenges persist, particularly in resolving the South China Sea dispute.

In an article before the visit, Xi proposes a mutually beneficial solution to the maritime dispute, emphasizing shared visions. The historical conflicts, including the 1974 war over the Paracel Islands, the 1979 land war, and the 1988 skirmish in the Spratly Islands, are acknowledged. Recent confrontations, like the incident in May, contribute to rising tensions in the South China Sea.

Xi warns against hegemonism in the world and emphasizes the importance of building a community with a shared future. Hanoi’s foreign strategy, building relations with various major powers, is highlighted, by upgraded partnerships with the US, Japan, and others. Xi calls for vigorous cooperation, creating a conducive external environment for development, stability, and security in the region.

The traditional friendship between China and Vietnam, dating back to normalized diplomatic ties in 1991, is underscored. Xi praises the countries as vocal advocates of multilateralism, treating each other with sincerity. The Chinese foreign ministry hints at seeking upgraded ties with Hanoi, emphasizing common understandings and progressing in the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Cultural exchanges are acknowledged, citing the popularity of Chinese literature, film, and TV productions in Vietnam, and the success of Vietnamese pop stars in China. Xi sees the convergence of people-to-people interactions as a powerful river of friendly ties. Apart from Trong, Xi is set to meet other Vietnamese leaders during the visit.

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