China-Vietnam Relations: From 'Comrades' to 'Community Sharing a Future'

According to the Global Times, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei said in an exclusive interview that 2025 has special significance for China-Vietnam bilateral relations, as this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the Year of People-to-People Exchange.

Ambassador Ha Vi emphasized that the 75-year journey has proven many times that only when the China-Vietnam relationship develops well, can the development of each country be stable, bilateral exchanges and cooperation progress steadily, and the people of the two countries benefit more from this relationship.

Looking back at 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 Chairman Ho Chi Minh, laying the "roots" for this friendship.

The second "decisive moment" was the establishment of the China-Vietnam community of common destiny by President Xi Jinping, late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and General Secretary To Lam, breathing the "soul" of long-standing friendship.

“These two decisive moments shine throughout history, complementing and reinforcing each other. They have become the lasting beacons guiding generations of good neighborly friendship between China and Vietnam,” Ambassador Ha Vi said.

According to the Chinese ambassador, four main lessons can be drawn from these moments: The common belief in upholding socialism serves as the "anchor" of China-Vietnam relations, an important guideline for bilateral relations; the common history of supporting each other's national liberation causes is the "foundation" for long-term friendship; the common vision of common interests and win-win cooperation serves as a "catalyst", injecting strong momentum into deeper cooperation; and the common commitment to resisting bullying adds the strength of the times to both countries' efforts to uphold fairness and justice.

Mr. Ha Vi 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 closely linked futures". In an increasingly chaotic world, China and Vietnam should be "protectors of regional peace and stability, promote regional cooperation and protect international economic rules, fairness and justice".

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

In terms of trade, China has remained Vietnam's largest trading partner for more than 20 consecutive years. Vietnam has consistently ranked as China's largest trading partner in ASEAN. In 2024, bilateral trade will exceed US$260 billion, accounting for about one-third of Vietnam's total import-export turnover.

In terms of investment, China is expected to lead in the number of new investment projects starting in Vietnam in 2024, with a total investment capital of 4.73 billion USD.

In terms of industrial cooperation, as the only country with a full range of industries, China is comprehensively promoting the building of a strong country and the great rejuvenation of the nation through the road of China's modernization, with new industries, new business forms and new models continuously emerging from new productive forces.

Vietnam is accelerating its industrialization and modernization towards the “era of national advancement”, with the advantage of being connected to China by land and sea, with increasingly prominent complementary structures. The two sides are endowed with unique natural conditions, along with great potential and prospects to strengthen industrial ties and expand mutual benefits.

According to Ambassador Ha Vi, looking forward, to elevate economic and trade cooperation between the two countries to a new level, both sides should focus on achieving "4 links".

First, linking national development strategies to provide critical support for deeper cooperation.

Second, link infrastructure connectivity to lay a solid foundation for accelerating cooperation.

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

Fourth, link financial cooperation to create more support for effective cooperation.