HCMC – China’s Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping began his two-day state visit to Vietnam today, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two neighboring countries.
The visit, Xi’s first overseas trip of 2025 and his fourth to Vietnam as China’s leader, underscores the strategic importance of the relationship.
Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport, Xi was warmly welcomed by Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and other senior officials.
Xi received a 21-gun salute when General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam presided over a welcoming ceremony in honor of the Chinese leader in Hanoi.
The main streets of Hanoi are adorned with Chinese and Vietnamese flags. Local residents lined up to greet the Chinese leader as he was entering the center of Hanoi City, with some waving banners celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations (January 18, 1950 – 2025). The festive atmosphere highlights the growing economic partnership, with Vietnam serving as China’s largest trading partner in ASEAN.
In a statement published ahead of his arrival by Nhan Dan newspaper, an official publication of the Party Central Committee, Xi emphasized the need for stronger cooperation in trade, supply chains, and emerging fields like artificial intelligence and green energy.
The first day of the visit saw Xi engage in high-level talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam and President Luong Cuong. Discussions focused on advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership established in 2008, with both sides expected to sign multiple agreements.
Key areas of focus include railway connectivity, with Vietnam seeking Chinese funding and technology to develop a rail network linking northern Vietnam to China.
A notable moment of the day was the ceremonial signing of several cooperation agreements at the Presidential Palace, attended by Xi and Vietnamese leaders. These agreements covered infrastructure, digital economy, and green development, reflecting shared ambitions to modernize and diversify their economies.
President Xi Jinping also had separate meetings today with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.
