Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit will boost China-Vietnam ties

Editor's note: Imran Khalid, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a freelance columnist on international affairs. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

A signed article was published by the Nhan Dan Newspaper of Vietnam on December 12, titled "Building a China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future That Carries Strategic Significance And Writing Together a New Chapter in Our Modernization Drive." General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping remarked in the article that China and Vietnam have found a promising path of jointly building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Viewed through the lens of multiple factors, Xi's state visit to Vietnam is a landmark event in the bilateral ties. It is anticipated to play a pivotal role in steering both nations along their distinctive paths of modernization, thereby contributing to the enrichment of modernization trajectories for developing countries at large and fostering mutual benefits for China and Vietnam.

This visit is earmarked to reflect the significance of collaboration in six key areas encompassing politics, security, practical cooperation, public support, multilateral affairs and maritime issues. There is no doubt that this visit will deepen and substantiate the comprehensive strategic cooperation that binds these two nations together, marking a significant stride in their bilateral relationship. Interestingly, this year marks the 15th anniversary of the strategic cooperative partnership linking China and Vietnam.

At the moment, the developmental trajectories of both nations stand at a pivotal juncture. Collective endeavors are actively driving them toward the realization of their distinct aspirations for modernization. Mutually charting the complexities of their respective journeys toward modernization not only strengthens the bonds of trust but also lays the groundwork for the shared reaping of developmental rewards.

China remains firmly entrenched as Vietnam's principal trading partner, a position it has steadfastly maintained for several successive years. Conversely, Vietnam is satisfied with the status of being China's largest trading partner within the ASEAN. This dynamic interdependence underscores the symbiotic and intricately woven nature of their bilateral relations. The fiscal year 2022 witnessed bilateral trade soaring to an impressive $234.92 billion, indicative of the substantial economic interdependence between the two.

Over the course of time, both countries have observed a succession of frequent, high-level engagements that have resulted in significant breakthroughs in practical cooperation. Concurrently, their diplomatic ties have experienced a continuous surge in grassroot support. This amicable partnership, deeply anchored in shared ideals and beliefs stemming from their identical social systems, finds tangible expression in the foreign policies of both nations, where the bilateral relationship takes precedence as a matter of strategic priority.

Leaders on both sides have forged a robust foundation of political mutual trust and profound camaraderie. This partnership not only navigates the present but also lays the groundwork for the future trajectory of bilateral relations, offering crucial strategic guidance that extends beyond immediate concerns.

Vietnam, aspiring to harness the transformative power of the "Fourth Industrial Revolution," faced setbacks as the pandemic disrupted its progress. Despite the delays, Vietnam maintains optimism about attracting Chinese investments, specifically targeting high-tech industries and large-scale enterprises. The desired outcome is an infusion of advanced management expertise into the country.

Bilateral economic and trade collaboration now pivot on shared endeavors such as the Belt and Road Initiative, infrastructure development, e-commerce initiatives, and the trade of agricultural products. This strategic cooperation reflects the mutual commitment of both nations to fortify their economic ties. Within the realm of foreign policy, Vietnam has designated China as a top priority, reciprocated by China, which views Vietnam as a key focal point in its neighborhood diplomacy.

The diplomatic dynamics between these two nations carry profound significance, underscoring the intricate web of relationships and interests that shape their interactions on the global stage. Aligned with the mutual understanding established by the leaders of the respective nations, there is a shared commitment to adeptly address differences and collaboratively advance discussions on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. The collective aim is to transform the South China Sea into a region characterized by peace and cooperative endeavors.

In recent years, the ongoing deepening of economic, trade, investment and infrastructure construction collaborations between these two nations has yielded reciprocal advantages. These collaborative efforts can serve to amplify economic and trade exchanges within the region, fostering a more interconnected and efficient regional supply chain. Such developments underscore the intricate interplay between nations in advancing shared developmental goals.

President Xi's visit is expected to contribute to the continued enhancement of the ongoing development of relations between the two neighboring countries.

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