The Vietnamese and Chinese armies have established a direct communication line.

The signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Technical Understanding on establishing a direct communication line between the Ministries of Defense of Vietnam and China took place on October 17 in Beijing.

At the invitation of the Chinese Minister of National Defense, General Chang Wanquan, the Vietnamese Minister of National Defense, General Phung Quang Thanh, led a high-level military delegation to visit and work in China from October 16 to 18.

On the morning of October 17th, following the official welcoming ceremony for the high-ranking Vietnamese military delegation at the headquarters of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense in Beijing, General Phung Quang Thanh held talks with State Councilor and Minister of National Defense of China, General Chang Wanquan.

General Chang Wanquan expressed his belief that the visit would make a significant contribution to further developing the comprehensive strategic partnership, including defense cooperation, between the two countries. Regarding bilateral relations and the two militaries, General Chang Wanquan emphasized that friendship is a precious asset that both sides need to preserve, and that China has always desired to develop friendly cooperative relations with Vietnam.

Signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on direct telephone technology between the Ministries of Defense of Vietnam and China. Photo: VNA.

General Phung Quang Thanh affirmed that Vietnam attaches special importance to friendly neighborly relations and comprehensive cooperation with China, because China and Vietnam share many common interests and have stood shoulder to shoulder in the national liberation struggle. Regarding bilateral relations, General Phung Quang Thanh stated that overall, relations between the two countries are developing well, with only disagreements remaining regarding sovereignty at sea.

Vietnam consistently advocates for resolving disputes through peaceful means, jointly seeking fundamental and long-term solutions acceptable to both sides, based on international law.

Regarding bilateral defense relations, the two ministers agreed that cooperation between the two militaries has continued to be maintained in accordance with the cooperation protocol signed in 2003, including: exchange of delegations, strategic dialogue at the deputy ministerial level, training, and especially exchanges between border protection units of both sides and joint patrols in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Minister Phung Quang Thanh urged the military to remain calm, persistent, restrained, and strictly control activities at sea, avoiding misunderstandings, preventing conflicts, and refraining from using force or threatening to use force in resolving maritime disputes. He emphasized the need to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for economic development; to treat fishermen humanely, not confiscate fishing gear, equipment, or means of livelihood; and to create the best possible conditions for fishermen to work and develop their economy, in line with the fundamental and long-term aspirations and interests of the people of both countries.

Immediately following the talks, the two ministers witnessed the signing of a technical memorandum of understanding on establishing a direct communication line between the two Ministries of Defense.

During his visit, General Phung Quang Thanh will meet with General Pham Truong Long, member of the Politburo and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, on the morning of October 18th; and visit the Vietnamese Embassy in China.

According to Vietnam+