In a landmark state visit from April 14 to 15, 2025, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping met with Vietnamese leaders in Hà Nội, marking a significant step in deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two nations. The visit, hosted by General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Việt Nam Tô Lâm and President Lương Cường, resulted in a joint statement emphasizing the building of a Việt Nam-China community with a shared future, a vision that carries profound strategic importance for both countries and the region.
Historic Bonds and Strategic Priorities
The discussions between the leaders underscored the deep historical ties that bind Việt Nam and China, rooted in 75 years of diplomatic relations. As neighbors with shared cultural and ideological foundations, both nations have supported each other through struggles for national independence and socialist development. During the visit, both sides reiterated their commitment to the motto of “friendly neighborliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability, looking towards the future,” a guiding principle for their relationship. 
Việt Nam reaffirmed its view of China as a top priority in its foreign policy, emphasizing independence, self-reliance, and multilateral engagement. China, in turn, highlighted Việt Nam as a key focus of its neighborhood diplomacy. This mutual prioritization is not merely rhetorical; it reflects a strategic alignment aimed at fostering stability and development amidst global uncertainties. The joint statement noted that both countries see each other’s progress as an opportunity, a perspective that shapes their collaborative efforts across political, economic, and security domains.
Political Trust and High-Level Engagement
A cornerstone of the renewed partnership is the emphasis on high-level exchanges and strategic trust. The leaders agreed to maintain regular communication through visits, hotlines, and letter exchanges to ensure alignment on bilateral and international issues. This commitment extends to Party-to-Party channels, with plans for theoretical seminars and training programs to share experiences in governance and socialist development.
The talks also highlighted the role of legislative and governmental bodies in strengthening ties. Friendly exchanges between the National Assembly of Việt Nam and China’s National People’s Congress, as well as between the Việt Nam Fatherland Front—a key political coalition—and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, are set to deepen. These mechanisms aim to build a robust framework for dialogue, particularly in border regions where local cooperation is vital.
One notable outcome was the establishment of a “3+3” strategic dialogue mechanism on diplomacy, defense, and public security at the ministerial level, with plans for an inaugural conference. Such initiatives signal a move toward structured, high-stakes collaboration, ensuring that political trust translates into actionable outcomes.
Defense and Security as Pillars of Cooperation
National defense and security emerged as critical pillars of the Việt Nam-China relationship during the visit. Both sides pledged to enhance cooperation through mechanisms like the Border Defence Friendship Exchange and the Defence Strategic Dialogue. This includes joint exercises, naval ship visits, and collaboration in non-traditional security areas such as cybersecurity and counter-terrorism.
A key focus is border management, with agreements to strengthen joint patrols and foster friendly exchanges in border areas. The Gulf of Tonkin, a shared maritime space, will see expanded cooperation through naval and coast guard activities, alongside efforts to manage fishery incidents and ensure maritime stability. These steps are crucial given the historical sensitivities surrounding maritime boundaries in the region.
Public security cooperation also received significant attention, with plans for a hotline between the two countries’ public security ministers. The agenda includes tackling cross-border crimes, telecommunications fraud, and human trafficking, as well as sharing intelligence to counter external threats like “color revolutions” or “peaceful evolution” by hostile forces. While these terms reflect specific ideological concerns, they underscore a shared determination to safeguard national stability.
Economic Connectivity and Modernization
Economic collaboration was a major theme of the visit, with both nations aiming to align their development strategies. A flagship initiative is the connection of Việt Nam’s “Two Corridors, One Belt” framework with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, focusing on infrastructure projects like standard gauge railways. The feasibility study for the Lào Cai – Hà Nội – Hải Phòng railway, supported by Chinese technical assistance, is a priority, with construction expected to commence soon.
Other projects include cross-border road bridges and smart border gates to facilitate trade at key points like Hữu Nghị – Youyi Guan. These infrastructure developments are complemented by efforts to boost trade in agricultural products, with China agreeing to license Vietnamese exports such as chili and passion fruit. Both sides also committed to leveraging frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to balance trade and promote e-commerce.
Emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, clean energy, and digital economy were identified as areas for future growth. The leaders encouraged investment by reputable companies and discussed pilot cross-border economic zones, signaling an intent to integrate their economies more deeply. Financial cooperation, including retail payment systems using QR codes and potential local currency transactions, was also on the agenda, though specifics remain under discussion.
People-to-People Ties and Cultural Exchange
Consolidating social foundations through cultural and humanistic exchanges was a key priority. The year 2025, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, will feature a series of events under the banner of the Việt Nam-China Humanistic Exchange. Activities like the “red journey youth” program aim to foster understanding among younger generations, while media and broadcasting cooperation will highlight the traditional friendship between the two nations.
Tourism and education are also set to expand, with plans to promote joint tourism routes and increase student exchanges. China will provide more scholarships for Vietnamese students, and cultural centers in Hà Nội and Beijing will facilitate greater interaction. These initiatives aim to build a lasting emotional connection between the peoples of both countries, reinforcing the strategic partnership at a grassroots level.
Multilateral Coordination and Regional Stability
On the international stage, Việt Nam and China committed to closer coordination within frameworks like the United Nations, ASEAN, and APEC. Both nations reaffirmed their support for multilateralism, opposing hegemony and unilateralism while advocating for an inclusive global economic order. China’s support for ASEAN’s centrality and Việt Nam’s upcoming role as co-chair of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation were highlighted as steps toward regional integration.
Maritime issues in the East Sea (South China Sea) were addressed with a call for dialogue and adherence to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The leaders emphasized managing differences to maintain stability, with ongoing negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the region. While specifics on disputed areas were not disclosed, the commitment to peaceful resolution offers a framework for future discussions.
A Forward-Looking Partnership
The state visit of President Xi Jinping to Việt Nam has set a new benchmark for bilateral relations, marking a milestone in the journey toward a shared future. With cooperation documents signed across multiple sectors—from railways to cultural exchanges—the partnership is poised for tangible progress. Yet, as global dynamics shift and regional challenges persist, the ability of both nations to balance cooperation with autonomy will be critical. For now, the renewed commitment to friendship and strategic alignment offers a promising path, one that could shape not just their destinies but also the broader landscape of peace and development in Asia.
