On Monday, China and Vietnam inked 14 agreements covering a range of areas from cross-border railways to the export of crocodiles, following a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vietnam's new leader To Lam in Beijing. Lam's inaugural foreign visit since becoming party chief earlier this month underscores a commitment to fortify relations amid expanding trade and investment, despite sporadic disputes over the South China Sea.
President Xi emphasized that Vietnam is a key focus in China's neighborhood policy, supporting Vietnam's adherence to party leadership and its path of socialism tailored to its national conditions. He highlighted the importance of fostering both professional and personal ties with Lam. In response, Lam identified bilateral relations as a paramount external policy priority for Vietnam, viewing his China visit as a testament to the Vietnamese party and government's high regard for the relationship with China.
During the discussions, Lam sought Chinese soft loans and technological support for Vietnam's transportation infrastructure development and agreed with Xi on enhancing defense and security cooperation, as reported by the Vietnamese government. The leaders also committed to improving railway and highway connections between the two nations, with Xi promising increased imports of Vietnamese agricultural products.
The agreements included detailed planning and feasibility studies for standardized railway routes, following initial agreements in December during Xi's state visit to Hanoi. The countries are advancing three cross-border railway projects, including one through Lao Cai to Haiphong and another potentially linking Shenzhen to Haiphong. These rail upgrades are expected to stimulate trade and investment, particularly as Chinese manufacturers relocate some operations to Vietnam due to trade tensions with the United States.
Additional agreements addressed cooperation in central banking, media, health, and the quarantine and inspection of coconuts, crocodiles, and durians. Post-signing, Xi and Lam engaged in further discussions on shared concerns in a cordial and friendly setting, according to Xinhua. The countries are set to release a joint declaration reinforcing their strategic partnership. Lam's three-day visit, which began in Guangzhou and included meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and other senior officials, also featured a visit to sites associated with former president Ho Chi Minh's revolutionary activities.
