Boost China, Vietnam ties 'across all fronts', urges former envoy

Vietnam and China should strengthen collaboration across all fronts — from high-level dialogues to grassroots exchanges — to increase the impact of their bilateral partnership, said Nguyen Van Tho, former Vietnamese deputy foreign minister and former ambassador to China.

"It is important to effectively implement the common understandings of the high-ranking leaders of both countries," said Tho, who is also vice-president of the Vietnam-China Friendship Association. This will help enhance the effectiveness of bilateral exchanges and cooperation, he told China Daily in an exclusive interview.

Tho said the two sides must continue to strengthen political trust, maintain regular high-level meetings and exchanges at various levels and promote cooperation mechanisms, particularly in diplomacy, national defense, and public security.

Tho said Vietnam and China must also promote substantial cooperation in key areas, especially in trade, investment and infrastructure connectivity, prioritizing the construction of three standard-gauge railway lines to connect the northern provinces of Vietnam with China. The lines are Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong, Lang Son–Hanoi, and Mong Cai–Ha Long–Hai Phong.

In February, Vietnam's National Assembly approved an investment plan for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway. Construction is expected to be completed by 2030.

Tho said the project aligns with Vietnam's socio-economic development strategy and aims to enhance economic trade connectivity between Vietnam and China.

"This railway will serve as a vital bridge not only linking Vietnam and China but also enhancing regional connectivity between China and ASEAN, especially within the framework of the Greater Mekong Subregion cooperation," said Tho, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations of which Vietnam is a member.

Both sides should also bolster cooperation in implementing large-scale, high-tech projects in areas where China has advantages and Vietnam has needs, such as renewable energy, supporting industries, smart cities, digital economy, and green economy, and circular economy, said Tho.

China is a major foreign investor in Vietnam, with strong growth in recent years. In 2024, Chinese enterprises' direct investment in Vietnam surpassed $2.5 billion.

China has been Vietnam's largest trading partner since 2004, while Vietnam has been China's largest trading partner within ASEAN since 2016, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. Bilateral trade volume between the two countries has exceeded $200 billion for four consecutive years.

In addition, Tho said both countries need to enhance people-to-people exchanges, especially among youth, and public awareness of their traditional friendship, in order to strengthen the robust social foundation for developing bilateral relations.

"Thanks to the stable and positive development of the bilateral relations, people-to-people exchanges have seen vibrant and positive progress," said Tho.

In the first quarter of this year, 1.58 million Chinese tourists visited Vietnam, accounting for the largest share of visitors to the country, according to Vietnam's General Statistics Office.

Tho said the close tourism cooperation between Vietnam and China has facilitated travel for their citizens, leading to a more vivid and direct understanding of each other and their friendly relations.

kelly@chinadailyapac.com