In a significant display of diplomatic unity, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, in Hanoi on April 14, 2025, to reinforce the strategic partnership between the two socialist nations. The talks, held at the CPV Central Committee headquarters, underscored a shared commitment to countering global economic pressures and fostering regional stability, as both leaders emphasized the importance of opposing unilateral actions and safeguarding free trade systems.
A Milestone in Bilateral Relations
The meeting comes at a pivotal moment, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam, two neighboring countries with deep historical and ideological ties. Xi, who is also the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, arrived in Hanoi for a two-day state visit—his fourth to Vietnam—greeted by a grand welcoming ceremony where children waved flags of both nations and their respective communist parties. In his remarks, Xi highlighted the combined population of over 1.5 billion people as a powerful force for regional and global peace if both nations pursue modernization and peaceful development together. “A small boat and a lone sail cannot withstand the rough waves, and only by working together in the same boat can people sail steadily and far” he said, invoking a metaphor of unity. 
To Lam echoed this sentiment, affirming that strengthening Vietnam-China relations aligns with the fundamental interests of their peoples and the broader trends of the era. He expressed Vietnam’s eagerness to deepen high-level exchanges, share governance experiences, and enhance strategic security cooperation to build political mutual trust. The Vietnamese leader also outlined ambitions to elevate bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as economy, trade, science, technology, infrastructure, and environmental protection, signaling a comprehensive approach to partnership.
Economic Ties at the Forefront
China has been Vietnam’s largest trading partner for over two decades, with bilateral trade surpassing $260 billion last year. Vietnam, in turn, stands as China’s top trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) since 2016. In 2024 alone, Chinese direct investment in Vietnam exceeded $2.5 billion, reflecting sustained growth and positioning Vietnam as a critical destination for Chinese enterprises. During the Hanoi meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of 45 bilateral cooperation documents spanning diverse fields, including connectivity, artificial intelligence, customs inspection, agricultural trade, culture, sports, and media. These agreements aim to create tangible “highlights” in collaboration, as To Lam described, fostering mutual benefits for both economies.
The economic dimension of this partnership is particularly crucial amid global uncertainties. Xi stressed the need for both nations, as beneficiaries of economic globalization, to jointly uphold the stability of industrial and supply chains. His call to “oppose unilateral bullying practices” appeared to reference broader geopolitical tensions, potentially alluding to trade disputes or sanctions imposed by Western powers. While no specific adversaries were named, the emphasis on protecting free trade systems suggests a shared resolve to navigate external pressures through closer alignment.
Strategic and Regional Implications
Beyond economics, the talks in Hanoi carried significant strategic weight. Xi framed the China-Vietnam relationship as a model of solidarity among socialist countries, noting that despite global upheavals, both nations have historically supported each other in struggles for national independence and socialist advancement. “Faced with the current changes and chaos in the international landscape, China and Vietnam have upheld peace and development, deepened friendly cooperation and brought valuable stability and certainty to the world” he said. This narrative positions their alliance as a counterweight to instability in the Asia-Pacific region, where competing interests—ranging from maritime disputes in the South China Sea to economic rivalries—often dominate headlines.
For Vietnam, the partnership with China is a delicate balancing act. While economic interdependence is undeniable, historical tensions and territorial disagreements, particularly over the South China Sea, linger in the background. To Lam’s focus on consolidating political trust and strategic security cooperation may hint at efforts to manage these sensitivities through dialogue and mutual assurances. Observers note that Vietnam has adeptly positioned itself as a bridge between major powers, maintaining strong ties with China while also deepening relations with the United States, Japan, and the European Union. If navigated carefully, this latest engagement with Beijing could enhance Hanoi’s geopolitical leverage without compromising its multi-directional foreign policy.
People-to-People Connections and Cultural Exchange
The Hanoi visit also highlighted the softer dimensions of China-Vietnam relations. Following their formal discussions, Xi and To Lam participated in symbolic gestures of friendship, including a small chat over tea at the CPV headquarters. Earlier this year, the two leaders jointly launched the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges, an initiative aimed at fostering cultural understanding and grassroots connections. In a written statement upon arriving at Noi Bai International Airport, Xi expressed readiness to pursue “more in-depth cooperation at a higher level covering a wider range of areas” to deliver benefits not only to their peoples but also to the region and the world.
Such initiatives resonate with the shared history of the two nations, often described as “connected by mountains and rivers.” Over the decades, China and Vietnam have collaborated in their respective modernization drives, drawing on common ideological roots while adapting to contemporary challenges. The emphasis on human resources development and media cooperation in the recent agreements suggests a forward-looking intent to strengthen societal bonds, potentially countering narratives of rivalry that occasionally surface in public discourse.
Global Context and Speculative Challenges Ahead
The timing of Xi’s visit to Vietnam is noteworthy, as it coincides with heightened global scrutiny of China’s regional ambitions. Beijing’s assertive posture in the South China Sea, where Vietnam is among several claimants to disputed territories, remains a point of contention. While the Hanoi talks did not publicly address these issues, the focus on strategic security cooperation may indicate behind-the-scenes discussions on managing potential flashpoints. If confirmed, such dialogues could pave the way for de-escalation mechanisms, though no official statements have substantiated this possibility at present.
Additionally, Xi’s critique of “unilateral bullying” raises questions about the broader alignment of China and Vietnam in international forums. Both nations have historically championed multilateralism, often positioning themselves as advocates for developing countries within frameworks like the United Nations and ASEAN. Whether this shared stance translates into coordinated action on pressing global issues—such as climate change, trade barriers, or technological competition—remains to be seen. Analysts suggest that Vietnam’s nuanced diplomacy will likely prevent it from fully aligning with China on contentious matters, preserving room for engagement with other global players.
A Partnership for the Future
As Xi Jinping concluded his visit to Hanoi, the outcomes of the talks with To Lam underscored a mutual determination to fortify China-Vietnam relations against a backdrop of global uncertainty. The signed agreements, spanning economic, technological, and cultural domains, reflect a comprehensive blueprint for collaboration. Yet, the true test lies in implementation—whether these commitments translate into measurable progress for the 1.5 billion people both leaders represent.
For now, the imagery of children waving flags at the welcoming ceremony in Hanoi serves as a poignant reminder of the shared aspirations binding these two nations. As they navigate the complexities of modernization and regional dynamics, the question remains: can China and Vietnam sustain their “same boat” spirit amid the rough waves of geopolitical change?
