Party chief highlights close friendship between Viet Nam and China

The People's Daily of China has released an article by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam.

In his article titled themed "Joining hands to open a new era of development of Viet Nam-China friendship", To Lam wrote that the world is undergoing profound, fundamental changes of epochal nature, with deep transformations in every aspect under the impact of major shifts in politics, economy, culture, society, and science and technology.

The period from now until 2030, with a longer-term vision toward 2045 and even 2050, the mid-point of the 21st century -- key milestones tied to the revolutionary causes of the two Parties and the two countries -- will be the most crucial period for shaping a new world order. It will open up great opportunities, while also posing significant challenges for nations.

For Viet Nam, this is a period of important strategic opportunity, a decisive sprint stage to usher in a new era of national development and to fulfill President Ho Chi Minh's aspiration of "building a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous Viet Nam, making a worthy contribution to the revolutionary cause of the world."

For China, this is a pivotal period and a stepping stone in realizing its second centenary goal, building the People's Republic of China into a modern socialist power that is prosperous, strong, democratic, civilized, harmonious, and beautiful.

The context requires both countries to adopt an international vision and national actions to fully seize strategic opportunities, turn challenges into opportunities, and build a prosperous future for both nations.

According to To Lam, both countries have enough solid foundation and confidence to realize the long-term development goals of each country, and now is a favorable time for the two Parties and two countries to jointly set forth a vision for a new era of Viet Nam - China relations, for the happiness of the peoples of both nations, and for the cause of peace and progress of humanity. Specifically as follows:

First, maintaining strategic exchanges and advancing political trust. This is the most important issue and the foundation for the successful implementation of programs, plans, and agreements between the two sides, ensuring a political basis for the relations between the two Parties and countries to grow in a right and healthy direction.

Both sides should continue to effectively implement existing mechanisms for high-level exchanges and contacts, while closely and harmoniously combining Party, State, and people-to-people diplomacy.

It is also important to further improve the effectiveness and elevate cooperation in the fields of foreign affairs, national defense, and security, and between sectors, agencies, and localities of the two countries.

Second, strengthening practical cooperation across various fields and creating new growth drivers.

Viet Nam is always ready to join hands with China to make bilateral cooperation more substantive, intensive, balanced, and sustainable, becoming a model of sincere and effective cooperation between neighboring socialist and developing countries, better serving the interests of their people.

The two sides should work together to explore new forms of cooperation aligned with the key priorities in each country's socio-economic development strategy, focus on implementing major projects that will serve as new symbols of Viet Nam - China cooperation, with the highest priority given to the development of three standard-gauge railway lines connecting the two countries in strategic infrastructure connectivity.

Co-operation should be expanded in the areas where China has strengths and Viet Nam has demand, such as science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and high-quality human resource training, to create new highlights in bilateral cooperation in line with global development trends.

Third, further strengthening the favorable social foundation for Viet Nam - China relations.

During their phone talks earlier this year, General Secretary To Lam and General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping jointly announced the launch of the 2025 Year of Viet Nam - China Humanistic Exchange.

This is a most timely opportunity to promote people-to-people exchanges and enhance public communication about the friendship between the two Parties, the countries, and their peoples; to foster practical cooperation in culture, tourism, education, and training; and to make good use of "red" historical sites that carry revolutionary significance in both Viet Nam and China, and to inspire pride and strengthen the confidence of people from all walks of life in the socialist path chosen by our two Parties and peoples, and in the long-standing Viet Nam - China friendship.

In this effort, major press and media agencies in both countries play an important role in enhancing mutual affection and understanding between the two peoples, tightening the bond between the two nations, and contributing to the promotion of cooperation, friendship, and mutual benefit.

Fourth, working together to build a peaceful and stable environment for the new era and the new stage of development in each country.

The continuous promotion of a sound, healthy Viet Nam - China relationship, along with joint efforts to properly manage and resolve differences based on high-level common perceptions, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, serves as an important stabilizing factor amid the current complex and unpredictable regional and international situation.

This approach aligns with the long-standing traditions and earnest shared aspirations of both peoples for peace, friendship, cooperation, and the sustainable development and prosperity of each nation.

During his state visit to Viet Nam in December 2023, General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping profoundly summarized: "Both China and Viet Nam are responsible members of the international community. The two countries should become core forces in advancing the cause of human progress."

Building on the 75-year tradition of friendly relations, with many cultural similarities and shared interests in peace and development for the peoples of both nations, the two Parties and countries are confident and determined to advance the glorious and great cause, to continue deepening our Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, and promoting the building of a Viet Nam -China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, developing quickly and sustainably; and to successfully build socialism in each country, and firmly step into a new era of development.

The success of the friendship between our two Parties and two countries not only brings happiness and serves the best interests of our peoples but also makes increasingly practical and responsible contributions to peace, stability, social progress, and the prosperous development of nations in the region and around the world./.