HCMC – Vietnam and China agreed to deepen strategic coordination and expand practical cooperation in areas ranging from railway connectivity and trade to science and tourism during a conversation call between Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on June 15.
The conversation marked the first exchange between the two leaders since Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly completed the appointment of the country’s new government leadership, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
PM Hung reaffirmed that Vietnam consistently regards ties with China as a top priority in its foreign policy, describing the relationship as a strategic choice and an objective requirement.
Both leaders welcomed progress in implementing agreements reached by senior leaders of the two countries. They pledged to maintain regular communication and closely coordinate efforts to carry out the outcomes of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s recent state visit to China and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Vietnam in 2025.
Prime Minister Hung called for stronger strategic trust through high-level exchanges and existing cooperation mechanisms, including the 3+3 strategic dialogue involving the foreign affairs, defense, and public security sectors of both countries.
He also proposed accelerating infrastructure links, prioritizing railway cooperation and the development of multimodal transport networks connected to other countries and regions.
The Vietnamese leader urged both sides to promote balanced and sustainable bilateral trade, put smart border gate models into operation at an early date, and develop cross-border economic cooperation zones to facilitate trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.
He also sought broader cooperation in science and technology, education, high-quality workforce training, healthcare, traditional medicine, culture, and tourism. Prime Minister Hung called for the effective implementation of the Vietnam-China Tourism Cooperation Years in 2026-2027 and expanded partnerships between localities, particularly border provinces.
Premier Li reiterated that China views Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and expressed readiness to strengthen the alignment of development strategies and advance cooperation across multiple sectors.
He backed expanded railway cooperation and stronger connectivity with other countries and regions. China was also prepared to boost cooperation in agricultural trade, inspection and quarantine procedures, industrial linkages, and high-quality investment, particularly in science, technology, and innovation.
Premier Li also voiced support for deeper cooperation in energy security, power connectivity, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and social welfare projects.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern and agreed to coordinate closely to ensure the success of the APEC host years in China and Vietnam in 2026 and 2027.
They also agreed to better manage differences, maintain peace and stability at sea, and preserve a favorable environment for each country’s development.
