In a significant diplomatic development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son met in Hanoi on Friday, reinforcing their commitment to jointly maintain peace and stability at sea. The discussions centered on promoting mutually beneficial cooperation, preventing external interference, expediting consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and collectively striving to transform the region into a sea of peace and cooperation.
Shared Vision and Like-Mindedness:
During the meeting, Foreign Minister Wang highlighted the salient features of China-Vietnam relations, emphasizing like-mindedness and a shared future. Noting the close high-level exchanges and frequent contacts reminiscent of visiting relatives, Wang underscored the special nature and high level of the relationship between the two nations. He also pointed out the commonalities between China and Vietnam, including a shared social system, ideals, and beliefs.
New Prospects and Contributions:
Wang proposed defining a new positioning and setting new goals for the China-Vietnam relationship. He emphasized that this approach would not only open up new prospects for bilateral ties but also contribute to the global cause of peace and progress. Encouraging the foreign affairs departments of both countries to coordinate and support various departments and sub-national governments, Wang envisioned a new surge in practical cooperation across diverse fields.
Strengthening Inter-Party Exchanges:
To deepen ties, Wang suggested strengthening inter-party exchanges and sharing experiences in governance. This, he believed, would further enhance cooperation and understanding between the two nations. Wang stressed the importance of joint efforts in the international and multilateral arena, urging China and Vietnam to closely coordinate and support each other in upholding international equity and justice.
Vietnamese Commitment to Cooperation:
Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son expressed Vietnam’s commitment to promoting healthy, stable, and lasting relations between the two nations. He emphasized the need to elevate bilateral ties to new heights. The Vietnamese official pledged to enhance coordination and cooperation with China in various fields, including agricultural products, connectivity, high science and technology, and tourism.
International and Regional Cooperation:
Bui Thanh Son conveyed Vietnam’s willingness to strengthen coordination with China in international and regional affairs. He reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability at sea in accordance with the high-level consensus reached between the two countries.
The agreement between China and Vietnam to jointly maintain peace and stability at sea reflects a positive step in diplomatic relations between the two nations. By prioritizing mutual cooperation, preventing external interference, and working towards a shared vision, China and Vietnam aim to not only deepen their bilateral ties but also contribute to regional and global peace and progress. The commitment to strengthening inter-party exchanges and cooperation in various fields underscores the comprehensive nature of their partnership, fostering a relationship that goes beyond mere political diplomacy.
