China, Vietnam stress friendship

High-ranking officials of China and Vietnam agreed on Monday to effectively control the maritime situation and research and discuss joint development in the South China Sea.

While meeting with State Councilor Yang Jiechi, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong said Hanoi is "always committed" to developing the two countries' traditional friendship and puts a priority on their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Since Beijing and Hanoi earlier this year called for properly tackling disputes, experts said the latest consensus showed their shared determination to avoid further escalation of tension on the sea.