China, Vietnam agree to boost partnership

Nations raise united voice against external interference, commit to stronger bonds

President Xi Jinping underlined the need for both China and Vietnam to work together to oppose any attempt that undermines the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region, during his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi on Wednesday.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the tremendous achievements that the two countries have made through reforms and opening-up are not only the results of their own efforts, but also rely on a peaceful and tranquil world, especially an open and inclusive Asia-Pacific region.

Both sides should be vigilant against any attempt to disrupt the Asia-Pacific region, and they should strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs to jointly maintain a favorable external environment, he said.

Chinh said that the Vietnam-China relationship has withstood the test of time and history, and will not be affected by any instigation or interference by external forces.

Building a Vietnam-China community with a shared future will benefit the people of both countries and contribute to regional peace, stability and prosperity, he said.

Xi said Chinese modernization will bring unprecedented opportunities to countries around the world, and will also contribute to Vietnam's industrialization and modernization.

He talked about the countries' cooperation on synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative with Vietnam's "Two Corridors, One Economic Circle" strategy, saying the move will widen the space for bilateral practical cooperation.

China is willing to increase imports of high-quality Vietnamese products and strengthen the bond with Vietnam in industrial and supply chains, he said, adding that the two countries should explore cooperation in emerging fields such as new energy and the digital economy.

Xi emphasized that on the same ship of socialism, China and Vietnam should stand together and support each other.

He called for both sides to strengthen exchanges on the governance of party and country. The two sides should also expand cooperation in people-to-people exchanges and enhance friendship between the two peoples to allow the younger generations to take the baton of China-Vietnam friendship, he said.

Chinh said that Xi's every visit to Vietnam and his important speeches have deepened the country's understanding of China, and strengthened the friendship and mutual trust between the two nations.

He said that strengthening Vietnam-China relations is a top priority and strategic choice for the party and government of Vietnam, as well as a strong aspiration of the Vietnamese people.

Vietnam adheres to the one-China policy and supports China's continued development and the important role it plays in international affairs, the Vietnamese prime minister said, adding that his country supports the series of initiatives proposed by President Xi.

Chinh said Vietnam will maintain close high-level exchanges with China, and comprehensively strengthen bilateral cooperation in the economy, trade, defense and security sectors as well as the subnational and people-to-people exchanges.

Vietnam will further enrich the content of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, he added.