China expressed its enthusiasm for Lam’s decision to make China his first official destination, stating that it reflects the high priority he places on strengthening ties between the two countries. Lam arrived in Guangzhou on Sunday for a three-day visit, during which he will also meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and other top Chinese officials.
While in Guangzhou, Lam visited sites where former President Ho Chi Minh had engaged in revolutionary activities. Last December, when Xi Jinping visited Vietnam, the two nations signed over a dozen agreements, though the specifics were not disclosed. These agreements covered areas such as enhancing railway cooperation, investment in multiple sectors, and establishing mechanisms to manage unforeseen incidents in the South China Sea.
In a detailed joint declaration, both countries agreed to work on cross-border railway connectivity, including three key rail projects, one of which would link the mountainous Lao Cai region in Vietnam’s northwest to the port city of Haiphong. They also discussed potential railway connections between other coastal cities and Haiphong. The statement emphasized continued collaboration between their railway companies to boost the efficiency of Vietnamese goods passing through China.
Additionally, the declaration underscored cooperation on China’s Belt and Road Initiative and investments in agriculture, infrastructure, energy, digital economy, green development, and other sectors. China and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 1950 and elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2008, further expanding their collaboration on regional and international issues in the years that followed.
