The Vietnamese leader's trip emphasizes cooperation in infrastructure, youth exchanges, and strategic connectivity between the two nations.
Category: Politics
Vietnam's top leader, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam, wrapped up a four-day state visit to China on April 17, 2026, aimed at enhancing the traditional friendship and strategic connectivity between the two socialist neighbors. The visit, which included meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other high-ranking officials, was hailed as a "complete success" in a joint statement issued at its close.
During his meetings in Beijing on April 15, To Lam engaged in in-depth discussions with Xi Jinping, emphasizing Vietnam's commitment to its relationship with China as a "consistent policy, a strategic choice, and a top priority" within its foreign policy framework. This diplomatic approach, according to experts, reflects Vietnam's desire to align its development strategies with China, especially as both countries enter new phases of growth.
As part of his itinerary, To Lam traveled over 2,400 kilometers on a high-speed train from Beijing to Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on April 16. This impressive 10-hour train ride allowed him to experience firsthand China's advanced railway infrastructure, which has become a symbol of the country's modernization efforts. The visit to Nanning was not his first experience with high-speed rail during the trip; he had also traveled to the Xiong'an New Area in Hebei province shortly after arriving in Beijing.
China has built the world's largest high-speed railway network since launching its service in 2008, accounting for over 70 percent of the global total. By 2035, this network is expected to reach 70,000 kilometers. To Lam's experiences on these trains demonstrated Vietnam's growing interest in developing its own railway systems, particularly as it recently commenced construction on its first high-speed railway line.
During his visit to the China-ASEAN Countries Artificial Intelligence Application Cooperation Center in Nanning, To Lam tried on AI-powered translation glasses, highlighting the potential for technological collaboration between the two nations. He also participated in a youth exchange event at Guangxi University, which brought together over 800 young representatives from both countries to promote friendship and cooperation.
In addressing the gathering, To Lam encouraged participants to transform the traditional friendship between Vietnam and China into tangible cooperative outcomes, reinforcing the idea that the "comrades-plus-brothers" relationship is rooted in shared historical efforts and strategic guidance.
The joint statement released at the end of the visit underscored a commitment to accelerate the alignment of national development strategies and improve connectivity of railway, highway, and port infrastructure. It also emphasized the importance of free and open trade, investment, and the establishment of secure industrial and supply chains.
Wei Wei, a researcher on Vietnam and head of the Vietnamese-language service at the China Media Group, noted that To Lam's visit reflects three key trends in the bilateral relationship: a focus on urban development, youth engagement, and high-speed rail travel. He pointed out that the Xiong'an New Area, which has attracted over 1 trillion CNY (approximately $146.4 billion) in investment, serves as a model for Vietnam's urban planning aspirations.
In addition to infrastructure and youth exchanges, the visit also included high-level discussions on security and defense cooperation. The two sides agreed to maintain close solidarity and strengthen strategic trust, with a focus on enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including trade, energy, and infrastructure.
To Lam's visit coincided with the commemoration of the 85th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s return to Vietnam from Guangxi, a symbolic event that reinforced the historical ties between the two nations. His spouse, Ngo Phuong Ly, also participated in cultural exchanges, meeting with Peng Liyuan, the spouse of President Xi Jinping, and visiting educational and cultural institutions.
As the two countries continue to navigate a complex international environment, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a peaceful and stable regional atmosphere. They emphasized the significance of their traditional friendship, characterized by the phrase "both comrades and brothers," and pledged to deepen cooperation across a wide array of fields.
The visit concluded with the signing of 32 cooperation documents, covering sectors from security and law enforcement to economic collaboration and cultural exchanges. The two countries reiterated their shared commitment to a community with a shared future, highlighting the strategic importance of their relationship.
In a forward-looking gesture, To Lam invited Xi Jinping to visit Vietnam, a proposal that was warmly received. This invitation symbolizes the potential for continued dialogue and collaboration between the two nations, as they strive to build a resilient partnership that benefits both countries and contributes to regional stability.
As Vietnam embarks on its new era following the successful 14th National Party Congress and China implements its 15th Five-Year Plan, the strategic cooperation discussed during To Lam's visit is expected to yield long-term benefits, fostering peace, stability, and development in the region.