PM Chinh urges China to buy more from Vietnam

Speaking with PM Li Keqiang by phone Tueday, he said the two countries should work together to "maintain stable bilateral growth."

China should streamline its border trade regulations, increase imports from Vietnam and speed up its opening up to more Vietnamese agriculture produce, he said.

There should be more high-quality investments and commercial flights, and issues related to existing projects between the two countries should be addressed, he added.

Li said the two countries should strengthen economic ties in terms of trade, investment and maintaining supply and manufacturing chains.

China is ready to resume activities between the two peoples, welcome Vietnamese students back and increase flights to Vietnam, he added.

The two leaders agreed to maintain communication channels about land borders and maritime issues, properly handle differences and maintain peace and stability.

They also agreed to work with ASEAN member countries to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and strive to develop a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

Vietnam is China's biggest trade partner in Southeast Asia and sixth biggest globally.

China is Vietnam's biggest trade partner. Their bilateral trade topped US$165.8 billion last year, up 24.6% from 2020.