As Chinese President Xi Jinping embarks on a state visit to Vietnam from April 14 to 15, invited by General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong, the spotlight turns to the enduring and evolving relationship between China and Vietnam. This year holds historic significance as both nations commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations—an enduring partnership rooted in shared ideologies, mutual respect, and growing cooperation.
In a recent interview with Global Times, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei highlighted how the bilateral relationship has transitioned from a foundation of “comrades-plus-brothers” to a forward-looking “community with a shared future.” This shift not only reflects deep political alignment but also shared ambitions in a rapidly changing global landscape.
A Brotherhood Forged in History, Strengthened by the Present
Ambassador He pinpointed two “defining moments” in China-Vietnam relations: the original friendship shaped by Chairman Mao Zedong and President Ho Chi Minh, and the establishment of the “community with a shared future” by President Xi and Vietnamese leaders. These milestones serve as both spiritual anchors and strategic roadmaps for deepening bilateral trust.
From shared socialist ideals to joint resistance against external interference, the ambassador emphasized four lessons:
- Shared belief in socialism as the anchor
- Joint liberation history as the ballast
- Mutually beneficial cooperation as the accelerator
- Joint opposition to bullying as the propellant
A Partnership Powering Economic Growth
Trade and investment have become the most dynamic pillars of the China-Vietnam relationship. China has remained Vietnam’s largest trading partner for over 20 years, with trade exceeding $260 billion in 2024—roughly one-third of Vietnam’s total imports and exports.
China also led in new investment projects in Vietnam last year, with a total of $4.73 billion. Industrial cooperation is expanding, supported by China’s complete industrial ecosystem and Vietnam’s accelerating modernization, bolstered by strategic land-sea connectivity.
Ambassador He proposed four strategic alignments to elevate future cooperation:
- Aligning national development strategies
- Enhancing infrastructure connectivity
- Deepening industrial integration
- Strengthening financial collaboration
Deepening People-to-People Ties in a Historic Year
Designated as the “China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges,” 2025 aims to foster mutual understanding through culture, education, tourism, and youth exchange. The emphasis is on building a lasting emotional bridge between both nations’ citizens, especially younger generations.
Ambassador He recalled touching stories, like Ho Chi Minh personally checking on Chinese diplomats during wartime, reinforcing the human dimension of diplomatic bonds. Even today, the Chinese embassy in Hanoi stands as a living memory of this resilient friendship, with lychee trees symbolizing generations of camaraderie.
A Stabilizing Force in an Uncertain World
In the face of global instability—ranging from regional conflicts to rising protectionism—China and Vietnam are called to act as pillars of regional peace, cooperative development, and defenders of fair global economic rules.
Ambassador He stressed that only through unity and collective strength can developing nations like China and Vietnam resist hegemonic pressures and safeguard their economic futures. As both countries remain committed to the multilateral trading system and oppose economic coercion, their alliance sets an example of resilience and shared destiny in Asia and beyond.
As President Xi’s visit underscores, the China-Vietnam relationship is no longer just a historic bond—it is a living, breathing alliance poised to shape the future of regional peace, prosperity, and international fairness.