Xi Jinping Reminds Vietnam to Cherish the Historical Bond of Friendship

Chinese leader Xi Jinping recently emphasized the significance of the “original intention” of the longstanding friendship between China and Vietnam during a meeting with Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong. The meeting took place against the backdrop of increasing competition for influence in Southeast Asia between China and the United States, with Vietnam recently elevating its ties with the U.S. to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Despite a brief war in 1979, China and Vietnam have maintained strong ties since establishing diplomatic relations in 1950. China had supported Vietnam during its fight against France and later the United States during the Vietnam War. During the recent meeting, Xi reiterated the principle of joint consultation and emphasized the need for China and Vietnam to leverage their geographical proximity and complementary industries.

Earlier reports had indicated that Xi might visit Hanoi in either October or November. However, these plans could potentially be delayed until December due to a lack of progress in talks regarding the joint statement to be issued during the visit. It remains uncertain whether Vietnam has officially extended an invitation to Xi, as Chinese state media made no mention of any visit plans in their summary of the meeting with Thuong.

In the midst of these developments, Vietnamese state media announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted Thuong’s invitation to visit Vietnam in the near future. This visit further underscores the competition for influence in the region, particularly after U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Hanoi in September.

The evolving dynamics between China, the United States, and Vietnam highlight the complex geopolitical landscape in Southeast Asia. As these major powers vie for influence in the region, Vietnam finds itself at the center of their strategic competition. The traditional friendship between China and Vietnam, rooted in historical support and cooperation, could play a crucial role in shaping Southeast Asia’s future trajectory.