Significance of National Assembly leader’s visit to China
The forthcoming official visit to China by National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vương Đình Huệ holds significant importance in maintaining high-level exchanges and upholding strategic orientations for bilateral relations, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to China Phạm Sao Mai.
Scheduled from April 7 to 12, this visit marks Huệ’s inaugural trip to China as Vietnam’s top legislator, undertaken at the invitation of Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China (NPC). It represents the first in-person meeting between legislative leaders since the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
This visit follows Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Vietnam in December 2023, during which both nations issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to deepening their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and building a shared future community. Ambassador Mai emphasized the visit’s significance in reaffirming Vietnam’s prioritization of its relationship with China in its foreign policy.
The primary objectives of the visit include advancing the six major cooperation orientations between the two countries, particularly enhancing political trust and bolstering the social foundation of bilateral relations. This effort aims to elevate the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership for the benefit of both peoples, as well as for regional and global peace, stability, cooperation, and development.
The strengthening ties between the Vietnamese NA and the Chinese NPC will enhance cooperation between the countries’ legislative bodies, underscoring the crucial role of parliamentary diplomacy in Vietnam’s development. Ambassador Mai highlighted the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, citing increased exchanges at all levels and deepened economic, trade, and investment ties as notable achievements. Moreover, efforts to maintain peace, friendship, and cooperation along the land border, as well as to manage sea-related differences in line with international law, including UNCLOS, have contributed to socio-economic development in border areas.
The ongoing negotiation mechanisms on sea-related issues, along with the implementation of the DOC and efforts to establish a COC in the East Sea, demonstrate the commitment of both sides to ensuring peace and stability in the region. Ambassador Mai expressed optimism that Chairman Huệ’s visit will further enhance relations between the two countries and parliaments, leading to tangible outcomes and the enrichment of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership through increased sharing of legislative experiences and the fostering of mutual understanding between the two peoples.
