Sino-Vietnamese relations: From 'comrades' to 'communities sharing a future'

According to the Global Times, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei, in an exclusive interview, stated that 2025 holds special significance for bilateral relations between China and Vietnam, as it marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Ambassador Ha Wei emphasized that the past 75 years have repeatedly proven that only when Sino-Vietnamese relations develop well can the development of each country be stable, bilateral exchanges and cooperation progress steadily, and the people of both countries benefit more from this relationship.

Looking back on the memorable journey of bilateral relations over the past 75 years, Ambassador Ha Vi said that two "decisive moments" can be clearly identified.

The first decisive moment was the traditional friendship of "comrades and brothers" personally built by Chairman Mao Zedong and President Ho Chi Minh, laying the "roots" for this friendship.

The second "decisive moment" was the establishment of the China-Vietnam Community of Shared Destiny, a project initiated by President Xi Jinping, along with the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and General Secretary To Lam, which breathed new life into the long-standing friendship.

“These two pivotal moments have shone brightly throughout history, complementing and reinforcing each other. They have become enduring beacons guiding generations of good neighborly friendship between China and Vietnam,” Ambassador Ha Wei said.

According to the Chinese ambassador, four key lessons can be drawn from these moments: A shared belief in maintaining the socialist system serves as the "anchor" of China-Vietnam relations, a crucial guiding principle for bilateral relations; a shared history of supporting each other's national liberation causes is the "foundation" for long-lasting friendship; a shared vision of common interests and mutually beneficial cooperation acts as a "catalyst," providing strong impetus for deeper cooperation; and a shared commitment to combating bullying strengthens the spirit of the times in the efforts of both countries to uphold fairness and justice.

Mr. Ha Wei also emphasized that, in the current complex and unstable international context, China and Vietnam – two socialist countries – are “like-minded comrades and good partners with a closely intertwined future.” In an increasingly chaotic world, China and Vietnam should be “guardians of regional peace and stability, promoters of regional cooperation, and protectors of international economic rules, fairness, and justice.”

Ambassador Ha Wei pointed out that bilateral cooperation has long been a highlight in China-Vietnam relations and a major driving force in promoting neighborly relations.

In terms of trade, China has remained Vietnam's largest trading partner for over 20 consecutive years. Vietnam consistently ranks as China's largest trading partner in ASEAN. In 2024, bilateral trade exceeded US$260 billion, accounting for approximately one-third of Vietnam's total import and export turnover.

In terms of investment, China leads in the number of new investment projects launched in Vietnam in 2024, with a total investment capital of $4.73 billion.

Regarding industrial cooperation, as the only country with a full range of industrial types, China is comprehensively promoting the building of a powerful nation and a great national rejuvenation through its modernization path, with new industries, new business forms, and new models constantly emerging from new productive forces.

Vietnam is accelerating its industrialization and modernization towards a "national resurgence," leveraging its land and sea connections with China and increasingly prominent complementary infrastructure. Both sides are blessed with unique natural conditions, along with significant potential and prospects for strengthening industrial ties and expanding mutual benefits.

According to Ambassador Ha Wei, looking ahead, in order to elevate economic and trade cooperation between the two countries to a new level, both sides should focus on achieving the "four linkages".

First, linking national development strategies provides crucial support for deeper cooperation.

Secondly, linking infrastructure will lay a solid foundation for accelerating cooperation.

Third, linking integration and industrial development to create strong momentum for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Fourth, establish financial partnerships to provide additional support for effective collaboration.