Chinese leader engages in discussion with country's Prime Minister in Tianjin

Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính recently met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China, Xi Jinping, in Tianjin. The meeting was part of the Prime Minister's working trip to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025.

During the meeting, PM Chính affirmed Vietnam's readiness to work with China and other countries to uphold multilateralism, promote sustainable development, and contribute to addressing major global and regional issues. He also conveyed greetings and best wishes from Party General Secretary Tô Lâm, President Lương Cường, and other high-ranking Vietnamese leaders to Xi and Chinese leaders.

PM Chính and Xi discussed various aspects of bilateral relations. The Prime Minister sought China's support in technology transfer, institution and infrastructure building, and human resource training in AI, semiconductors, quantum technology, and low-orbit satellites. He also proposed increased capacity and output of Chinese electricity exports to Vietnam.

In response, Xi expressed his wish to see well-organised activities marking the 75th founding anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic ties and a 'red journey' study and exchange programme in China for Vietnamese youth. He also agreed to early convene the meeting of the joint railway committee and accelerate steady progress on the Laos Cai-Hà Nội-Hải Phòng railway feasibility study.

PM Chính proposed stronger cultural and people-to-people exchanges, including the Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange, youth programmes such as the "red journey," visa exemptions, and expanded commercial flights. He also urged China to expand its import of Vietnamese high-quality agricultural products.

The Prime Minister reviewed six key positive outcomes in the bilateral relations in recent years, including strengthened strategic trust and exchanges, more substantive national defence-security cooperation, stronger strategic connectivity between the two economies, strong growth in economic, trade, and investment ties, closer industrial and supply chain linkages, and a more solid social foundation.

Both sides vowed to further advance ties between the two Parties and nations under the six major orientations, strengthen strategic exchanges, expand comprehensive cooperation, deepen economic connectivity, particularly railway projects, and boost collaboration in science-technology and innovation.

Vietnam always considers the development of ties with China an objective requirement, a strategic choice, and a top priority in its foreign policy. In the discussions on maritime issues, both leaders agreed to seriously implement common perceptions of the top leaders of the two countries on the better control and settlement of differences, and the building and maintenance of an environment of peace, cooperation, and development in the region.

PM Chính congratulated China on its continued achievements under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee, with Xi as its core. Xi welcomed PM Chính leading a Vietnamese delegation to the SCO Summit, stressing that his presence reflects Vietnam's strong commitment to advancing bilateral ties and its active support for conferences hosted by China.

Several countries have proposed strengthening economic cooperation, including the creation of an Asia-Pacific railway industry complex. However, China has responded sharply to related concerns, particularly regarding geopolitical and economic expansions. This was indicated by its prompt and strong reaction to statements about its role in regional conflicts and economic strategies.

In conclusion, the meeting between PM Phạm Minh Chính and President Xi Jinping marked a significant step forward in the bilateral relations between Vietnam and China. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties, addressing regional issues, and fostering economic cooperation.