Vietnam, China Party leaders reaffirm importance of strengthening bilateral ties

In his meeting with Xi in Beijing on Monday, Trong affirmed that Vietnam always prioritizes developing the all-encompassing relationship and strategic cooperation with China.

Vietnam firmly adheres to a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralization. It is a responsible member of the international community, he said.

Xi emphasized that Trong's visit was significant for both nations and their bilateral relations. Trong was the first Vietnamese leader to visit China since the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party.

He said the country values its relations with Vietnam and is willing to make efforts to expand friendship and collaboration between them, resulting in comprehensive strategic cooperation. He said the relationship would be one of "friendly neighborliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability and forward-looking" in the spirit of "good neighbors, good friends, good comrades and good partners."

Trong expressed his wish that China would continue to establish favorable conditions for expanding the market for Vietnamese agricultural, forestry and fishery products, maintain a smooth supply chain, and expedite customs clearance.

He proposed that China ease procedures and increase the quota for Vietnamese commodities transiting China by train to a third country.

Xi vowed to deepen economic relations in a balanced manner, establishing favorable conditions for Vietnam to export agricultural, forestry, and fishery products to the Chinese market.

The two parties agreed to administer the border line in accordance with signed papers and agreements, as well as to support the early operation of a tourism cooperation pilot project for the Ban Gioc Waterfall in Vietnam's Cao Bang Province, on the border of the two countries.

Concerning maritime problems, the two Party leaders said it was an ongoing issue in bilateral relations, and that sustaining peace and stability at sea was critical for the growth of both nations.

Trong proposed that the two sides settle their differences peacefully in accordance with international law.

Following the talks, Trong and Xi witnessed the signing of 13 documents on political cooperation, justice, trade, customs, and the environment, as well as travel between the two nations.

Trong and his delegates arrived in Beijing on Sunday, beginning the official visit until Tuesday.

Several Chinese media reports have cited a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences as saying Trong's visit would help both countries develop political trust and relations in a variety of spheres.

Also on Monday, Xi awarded Trong with China's Friendship Medal. He said Trong is a "good and true friend" of China, "one who guides and supports the two countries' comprehensive strategic cooperation collaboration."

He said that awarding Trong the medal reflects the friendship between the two sides and their hope of pursuing a better future.

"I believe this noble award is a great encouragement for us to continue to further develop the Vietnam-China relationship," Trong said.

China’s Friendship Medal is bestowed on foreigners who have made outstanding contributions to China's socialist modernization, the promotion of cooperation between China and other countries and the protection of world peace.

Vietnam is China's largest commercial partner in ASEAN and sixth largest in the world.

Vietnam-China bilateral trade reached $165.8 billion in 2021, up 24.6% from 2020, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.