Vietnam, China effectively implement joint statement, enhance comprehensive strategic partnership

The Dalian-based talk between Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on June-24 - photo: Nhat Bac

During the talks, the two leaders agreed to promote the Vietnam-China Joint Statement on continuing to deepen and elevate the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, building a Vietnam-China Community of Shared Future of strategic significance in the direction of “6 more.”

The two Prime Ministers agreed that the relationship between the two Parties and two countries has made historical progress, bringing about many outstanding achievements. They noted the consolidation of political trust, establishment of new cooperation mechanisms, increased strategic connectivity, robust trade growth, significant Chinese investment in Vietnam, a strong recovery in tourism, and active cooperation and exchanges between localities and peoples.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that developing relations with China is a strategic choice and a top priority in Vietnam's foreign policy. Premier Li Qiang reiterated that Vietnam is a priority in China's overall foreign policy of neighborliness and expressed support for Vietnam's industrialization and modernization efforts.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (second left) emphasizes that developing relations with China is a strategic choice and a top priority in Vietnam's foreign policy - photo: Nhat Bac

The two sides committed to maintaining high-level exchanges and cooperation in key areas such as diplomacy, defense, and security, and to strengthening friendly exchanges between localities and people's organizations. They also agreed to build a peaceful, stable, cooperative, and developing land border; control disagreements well; maintain peace and stability at sea; and strengthen coordination in international and regional forums.

Both leaders discussed maritime issues, agreeing on the importance of properly managing disagreements and maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested that both sides strictly implement the high-level common perception and the “Agreement on Basic Principles Guiding the Settlement of Vietnam-China Maritime Issues.” He emphasized the importance of respecting international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and each other’s legitimate rights and interests. He also called for effectively promoting negotiation mechanisms on maritime issues, properly handling the issue of fishing vessels and fishermen, and effectively controlling the situation at sea.

Premier Li Qiang appreciated Prime Minister Chinh's cooperation proposals and affirmed his readiness to deepen substantive cooperation with Vietnam. He expressed China's intention to further open its market to Vietnamese goods, especially high-quality agricultural and aquatic products, and to create favorable conditions for quarantine and customs clearance. Premier Li Qiang also suggested strengthening strategic connectivity, particularly in infrastructure and transportation, to enhance the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed Vietnam's consistent policy of upholding the “One China” principle and supporting China’s growing role in the region and the world. He suggested enhanced coordination at forums such as the WTO, APEC, ASEM, and ASEAN.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien (first left) and representatives from various Vietnamese ministries and agencies at the Dalian-based talk between Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on June-24 - photo: Nhat Bac

He emphasized that the two sides need to constantly innovate thinking, create innovative measures, and resolutely realize the common understanding and high-level agreements; accelerate strategic connectivity, promote transport infrastructure connectivity, especially the construction of standard gauge railway lines of Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong, Lang Son - Hanoi and Mong Cai - Ha Long - Hai Phong at appropriate times; soon sign a protocol and accomplish the procedures to open the market for Vietnam's frozen durian and fresh coconut; accelerate the opening of the market for other agricultural and fishery products, citrus fruits, avocado, custard apple, water apple, passion fruit, livestock, and poultry; soon open Vietnam's trade promotion offices in Chengdu (Sichuan), Haikou (Hainan), and Nanjing (Jiangsu); exchange measures to improve customs clearance efficiency, upgrade border infrastructure, and consider the promotion of smart border gates; and coordinate to resolve difficulties in some cooperation projects, and accelerate the implementation of China's non-refundable aid to Vietnam.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed that the two sides strengthen cooperation in the fields of agriculture, finance and banking, science and technology, education, culture, and tourism, focusing on cooperation in digital transformation, green growth, and high-tech agriculture; and develop a plan and roadmap for the formal operation of the Ban Gioc (Vietnam) - Detian (China) Waterfalls scenic area; and proposed that China soon provide 1,000 scholarships for Vietnamese teachers of the Chinese language.

Hoang Giang & Linh Chi