Chinese Party General Secretary, President Xi Jinping's visit to Vietnam: High expectations from both sides

The state visit to Vietnam by Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping is highly anticipated to strengthen mutual political trust, advance the shared future community, expand comprehensive cooperation, and promote joint responses to global challenges for mutual benefit, according to media reports, officials, and experts from both countries.

In recent days, media outlets in both China and Vietnam have extensively covered this significant diplomatic event, marking Xi's fourth visit to Vietnam since assuming China's highest leadership position.

The two-day visit, which began on Monday at the invitation of Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam and State President Luong Cuong, coincides with the year of people-to-people exchanges and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and China.

Chinese state media have published articles affirming the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

They emphasize that Xi's visit is significant not only diplomatically but also as a demonstration of both countries' commitment to maintaining high-level political dialogue and promoting bilateral cooperation.

The People's Daily highlighted that Xi's visit would strengthen the traditional camaraderie of 'comrades and brothers,' continue to guide the building of a community with a shared future between Vietnam and China, and bring greater benefits to the peoples of both countries.

According to Xinhua News Agency, since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the principle of ‘amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness’ has been established as the guiding approach in China's foreign policy toward neighboring countries, including Vietnam.

Building upon the foundation of political friendship, China has expressed a desire to strengthen its amicable relations with Vietnam through practical, in-depth, and long-term stable cooperation mechanisms.

At a recent press conference in Hanoi, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son stated that the Party and state leaders of Vietnam highly anticipate the visit, hoping it will yield positive outcomes in several areas, particularly by further strengthening political trust between the two nations.

He also expressed hope that the visit would help define major directions and priority areas for cooperation, aiming to enhance practical collaboration in a more qualitative, effective, and sustainable manner. This, he noted, would help create 'bright spots' in high-level cooperation, especially in sectors where Vietnam has specific needs.

The minister highlighted China’s strengths in standard-gauge railways, agricultural trade, science and technology, education and training, the digital economy, and the green economy as key areas for potential collaboration.

Professor Tao Yitao, director of the China Center for Special Economic Zone Research at China’s Shenzhen University, expressed admiration for Vietnam's development, which she has witnessed first-hand over the years.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Prof. Tao affirmed that amid complex global trade and political dynamics, General Secretary and President Xi's visit demonstrates the responsibility of both states in maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world.

“This shows that both sides will continue to uphold and promote their fine traditions, including high-level exchanges, further consolidating political trust, and effectively implementing high-level common understandings and signed agreements,” Prof. Tao commented.

She added that both countries will seek feasible ways to enhance coordination and cooperation in multilateral forums, exploring inclusive and mutually beneficial cooperation methods.

Vietnam and China established diplomatic ties in January 1950 and upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in May 2008.

Last year, two-way trade between the two nations reached $260.65 billion, a 13.5-percent increase from the previous year.

Currently, Vietnam is China's largest trading partner in ASEAN and ranks fifth worldwide, while China is Vietnam’s biggest commercial partner globally, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Vinh Tho - Duy Linh - Bao Ngoc / Tuoi Tre News

(2025/04/14-17:22)