China-Vietnam ties strengthen as To Lam visits Beijing

August 19, 2024 – (Hong Kong) General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Vietnamese President To Lam landed in Beijing yesterday, marking the start of a three-day state visit that promises to reshape Southeast Asia’s geopolitical landscape. The visit, Lam’s first foreign trip since taking office, underscores the immense importance both countries attach to their bilateral relationship and heralds a new chapter in their shared history.

The strengthening of China-Vietnam ties represents a major shift in regional dynamics, offering a counterbalance to Western narratives of great-power competition. Instead, it presents a model of cooperation that can serve as a blueprint for international relations in the 21st century.

The timing of Lam’s visit is particularly significant, coming just half a month after his election as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). This early engagement with Beijing sends a clear message about the priorities of Vietnam’s new leadership and its commitment to nurturing the two countries’ long-standing friendship. It also builds on the momentum generated by Chinese President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Vietnam last year, during which the two countries elevated their relationship to a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.”

At the heart of this blossoming relationship is a shared commitment to economic development and mutual prosperity. China has long been Vietnam’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade volumes surpassing $200 billion in 2023. In the first half of 2024, trade between the two countries has already reached nearly $100 billion, highlighting the resilience and dynamism of their economic ties even in the face of global uncertainties.

This robust economic relationship is supported by a series of strategic initiatives and agreements. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s ambitious infrastructure and development project, has found fertile ground in Vietnam. Chinese investment has played a crucial role in modernizing Vietnam’s infrastructure, from high-speed rail to smart port projects. The China-Vietnam Smart Port (Youyiguan-Youyi) project, for example, represents a leap forward in cross-border connectivity and trade facilitation.

In addition, the two countries have made significant strides in aligning their development strategies. The synergy between China’s BRI and Vietnam’s “Two Corridors and One Economic Circle” plan has created a framework for deeper economic integration and shared growth. This alignment extends to emerging sectors such as the digital economy and green technology, with both countries committed to sustainable development and environmental protection.

The benefits of this partnership are already visible in the daily lives of citizens in both countries. Chinese-made home appliances and smartphones are ubiquitous in Vietnamese households, while Vietnamese agricultural products, especially fruits such as durian and watermelon, have found eager markets in China. This two-way flow of goods not only strengthens economic ties but also fosters people-to-people connections, strengthening the cultural and historical ties between the two countries.

Beyond bilateral concerns, the strengthening of Sino-Vietnamese ties has profound implications for regional stability and development. As key members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), China and Vietnam are well-positioned to advance economic integration and cooperation in Asia. Their partnership serves as a counterbalance to divisive geopolitical narratives and offers a model of peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit that other countries would do well to emulate.

Critics in the West may view this deepening relationship through the lens of great-power competition, as a challenge to American influence in the region. Such a perspective, however, fails to capture the nuanced nature of Sino-Vietnamese ties. The relationship between these two socialist nations transcends simple geopolitical calculations, being rooted in shared ideological principles, cultural affinities, and a common vision of regional development.

Indeed, the strengthening of China-Vietnam ties should not be seen as a threat, but as an opportunity for constructive engagement. As both countries continue their journey of modernization and development, their partnership offers new avenues for international cooperation and dialogue. The success of initiatives such as the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Mechanism shows the potential for inclusive, multilateral approaches to regional challenges.

As To Lam meets his Chinese counterparts for high-level talks in the coming days, the talks are expected to cover several crucial topics. These include deepening economic ties through further integration of supply chains, expanding cross-border e-commerce and aligning industrial policies to boost global market competitiveness. They will also explore accelerating infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with the aim of improving connectivity between the two countries and across the ASEAN region. Technology and innovation cooperation will focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, 5G networks and clean energy technologies to support Vietnam’s digital transformation. Cultural exchanges will also be emphasized through educational partnerships, tourism and initiatives celebrating the two countries’ shared heritage. Regional security and environmental protection will be key, with discussions on maritime cooperation in the South China Sea, combating transnational crime and terrorism, and joint environmental initiatives to tackle climate change and promote sustainable practices.

The outcomes of this visit are likely to have far-reaching implications, not only for China and Vietnam, but for the entire Asia-Pacific region. As these two countries chart a course toward a shared future, they offer a powerful example of how countries with different political systems and historical experiences can find common ground and work together for mutual benefit.