Bolstering transport connectivity: Focus in Vietnam-China relations

A priority in Vietnam-China relations is to advance transport connectivity and ensure the effective implementation of the bilateral agreement on three key railway routes: Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong, Lang Son-Hanoi, and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Haiphong.

Overview of the meeting. Photo: Nhat Bac/VGP

“Deepening practical cooperation across various sectors would help bring tangible benefits to the citizens of both countries,” said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei on January 25.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Ambassador He Wei reviewed Vietnam-China relations in 2024 and expressed satisfaction with the positive developments.

Both sides underscored the importance of regular high-level exchanges and the expansion of cooperation mechanisms,  which is a testament to the high level of mutual trust.

Transport connectivity, especially rail links, has been enhanced, while economic, trade, investment, and tourism cooperation has seen strong growth. Bilateral trade reached US$205.2 billion, up 19.3%, with China leading in newly approved investment projects in Vietnam. The number of Chinese tourists to Vietnam hit 3.8 million, an increase of 114%.

Chinh reaffirmed that developing friendship and cooperation with China is a strategic choice and a top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy.

For his part, He Wei emphasized that China values its relationship with Vietnam, making it a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy.

Both sides welcomed the successful phone conversation between General Secretary To Lam and President Xi Jinping, which set a positive direction and momentum for the Vietnam-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2025, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties.

To implement the common understanding between the two leaders, Chinh called for regular high-level exchanges and strengthened cooperation between the Party, Government, National Assembly, and local authorities of the two countries.

The Prime Minister urged both sides to prioritize large, symbolic projects that reflect the intensity of bilateral ties. He called on China to expand market access for Vietnamese agricultural products and strengthen cooperation in agriculture, finance, science, technology, education, culture, tourism, and environmental protection. He also stressed the importance of effective land border management.

On maritime issues, the Vietnamese Government leader called for strict adherence to high-level agreements and the "Agreement on Basic Principles Guiding the Settlement of Maritime Issues between Vietnam and China." He emphasized respecting each other’s legitimate rights, resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS 1982, and ensuring humanitarian treatment of fishing vessels and fishermen. He also urged progress on a substantive and legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).

He Wei welcomed these proposals and congratulated  Vietnam on its socio-economic progress under the leadership of General Secretary To Lam and the effective governance of Prime Minister Chinh. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening strategic exchanges, strengthening political trust, and advancing sustainable cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism.

The ambassador also called for the successful implementation of the Vietnam-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2025 to boost public support for bilateral relations. He stressed the need for effective maritime dispute management to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for both countries' development.