Dai's visit to Vietnam 'comes at key time'

BEIJING - State Councilor Dai Bingguo started a five-day visit to Vietnam on Monday, which analysts said comes at an important time in terms of easing tensions and achieving greater consensus in bilateral relations.

During his visit, Dai is scheduled to co-chair the fifth meeting of the China-Vietnam steering committee on cooperation with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan, according to Xinhua News Agency.

The steering committee is a platform for dialogue between high-level officials of the two countries. The committee meets annually to discuss strategic and critical issues that affect the bilateral relationship.