Amidst growing tensions in the disputed South China Sea, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “better management” of differences with Vietnam during a meeting with the country’s new top leader, To Lam, in Beijing. This meeting, held just two weeks after Lam assumed the role of General Secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party, highlighted the ongoing complexities in the relationship between the two communist nations.
Xi, emphasizing the importance of strong ties at a crucial stage of China’s development, outlined a vision for China-Vietnam relations that prioritizes political trust, security cooperation, practical collaboration, public support, and multilateral coordination. He welcomed Lam’s State Visit to China as a symbol of the significance Vietnam places on bilateral relations.
Xi expressed his willingness to build a strong working relationship with Lam, reiterating China’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s leadership and development path. After their discussions, the two leaders witnessed the signing of 14 agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation.
Lam reciprocated by emphasizing the priority Vietnam places on its relationship with China, acknowledging the historical bonds forged by the “brotherly Communist Parties.” However, both countries continue to hold overlapping claims in the South China Sea, particularly regarding the Paracel and Spratly islands. Vietnam’s recent strengthening of ties with India, the US, and Japan, signaling a desire for international support in case of conflict with China, has added to the complexity of the situation.
Xi’s call for “better management” of differences comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between China and the Philippines, with the US and Japan backing the Philippines’ position. China’s claim to most of the South China Sea is contested by the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, and Taiwan.
Despite the challenges, both Xi and Lam expressed a commitment to maintaining strong communication and exploring opportunities for cooperation, including through the Belt and Road Initiative and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy. They highlighted the importance of developing infrastructure connectivity and strengthening economic ties.
Lam’s visit, his first foreign trip since assuming leadership, underscores the significance of the relationship between China and Vietnam, despite the ongoing maritime disputes that continue to complicate their partnership.
