Forging a Shared Future: China and Vietnam Embark on a New Strategic Path

HANOI, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) – In a historic move, China and Vietnam have agreed to build a community with a shared future, marking a new era in their relations. This strategic initiative, announced during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Vietnam, symbolizes a deepened comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two nations.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his visit, was welcomed by Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee. Reflecting on the near 40-year journey of Vietnam's "Doi Moi" reform and the achievements since the 13th National Congress of the CPV, Xi expressed China's firm support for Vietnam's continued socialist construction.

The two countries have a long history of supporting each other in their respective quests for national independence and liberation. They have also shared experiences in reform, opening-up, and innovation. According to Xi, China views its relationship with Vietnam from a strategic and long-term perspective, especially in the context of unprecedented global changes.

Xi's visit signifies a commitment to a shared vision for the future, rooted in the strengthening of socialist forces globally and the steady progress of each country's socialist construction. The proposed China-Vietnam community aims to enhance political mutual trust, security cooperation, mutually beneficial cooperation, popular support, multilateral coordination, and the handling of differences.

In a six-point proposal, Xi outlined the future of the China-Vietnam relationship, focusing on high-level strategic guidance, mutual support on core interests, deepening mutual trust in security, and upgrading practical cooperation. This includes aligning with initiatives such as the Belt and Road and fostering cooperation in emerging areas like the digital economy and green development.

Xi also emphasized the importance of managing maritime differences, suggesting more joint maritime development projects to transform challenges into bilateral cooperation opportunities.

Trong, representing Vietnam, welcomed Xi's visit, noting its significance on the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. He praised China's achievements and increasing international stature under Xi's leadership, reaffirming Vietnam's commitment to the one-China principle and opposition to interference in China's internal affairs.

Vietnam, adhering to an independent foreign policy, prioritizes its relationship with China. Trong expressed Vietnam's readiness to work with China to build a community with a shared future, emphasizing cooperation across political, economic, trade, security, and non-governmental sectors.

Acknowledging maritime disputes, Trong stressed the importance of handling these issues in a spirit of mutual trust and respect. He also expressed support for China's global initiatives aimed at safeguarding common interests and conforming to international laws.

The significance of Vietnam and China working closely in multilateral cooperation, particularly in the current complex international situation, was underscored by Trong. He believes Xi's visit will elevate Vietnam-China relations and contribute to regional and global peace and development.

Following their talks, Xi and Trong witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents, covering over 30 fields including the Belt and Road cooperation, digital economy, and maritime cooperation. They also agreed to issue a joint statement on deepening their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and building the shared future community.

In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, Xi and Trong shared a tea and continued their in-depth discussions. They agreed on the unique advantages of China and Vietnam as neighbors and partners in building this strategic community, focusing on traditional friendship, mutual benefits, learning from each other, and contributing to regional peace and prosperity.