Chinese Premier Li Qiang, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, laid a wreath at the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi on the morning of October 13, 2024. The event marked the commencement of Li’s three-day official visit to Vietnam, aimed at reinforcing the long-standing bilateral relationship between the two neighboring countries. The solemn tribute to the revered Vietnamese leader, Ho Chi Minh, underscored the historical and cultural ties between China and Vietnam.
Premier Li was joined by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, along with other prominent Vietnamese officials. The wreath-laying ceremony honored Ho Chi Minh, who is regarded not only as a hero of national liberation in Vietnam but also as a man of great cultural influence worldwide. Li’s presence at the mausoleum highlighted the deep respect China holds for Vietnam’s revolutionary history and its leadership.
Li’s visit is of particular note as it is his first official visit to Vietnam since taking up his post earlier this year, and it also marks the first visit by a Chinese premier to the country in 11 years. This indicates the importance the Chinese Party and State attach to bilateral relations with Vietnam. The visit comes at a time of enhanced diplomatic activity between the two nations, coinciding with the upcoming 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2025.
Li Qiang’s visit is taking place within the broader context of the evolving diplomatic relationship between China and Vietnam. Over the past several months, both nations have been engaged in a series of high-level exchanges, laying the foundation for a stronger, more comprehensive partnership. The visit follows recent high-profile diplomatic events, including:
- December 2023: General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Vietnam.
- August 2024: General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam’s visit to China.
- June 2024: Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s tour of China, where he participated in the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, along with key working sessions with Chinese officials.
These visits, alongside Li Qiang’s current trip, demonstrate the commitment of both nations to fostering stronger diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. The ongoing exchanges underscore the significance that both China and Vietnam place on maintaining a stable and mutually beneficial relationship, especially in light of evolving regional dynamics.
President Ho Chi Minh, known for leading Vietnam to independence from French colonial rule and unifying the country, is a revered figure in both Vietnam and across the world. His leadership during the mid-20th century not only shaped modern Vietnam but also left an indelible mark on international revolutionary movements. The tribute by Premier Li signifies more than a mere diplomatic courtesy; it is an acknowledgment of the shared revolutionary history of Vietnam and China.
Both nations have long recognized the pivotal roles played by their revolutionary leaders, such as Ho Chi Minh and Mao Zedong, in guiding their respective countries through times of great turmoil and transformation. Their legacies continue to resonate deeply in the modern-day partnership between the two countries.
In his tribute, Li Qiang highlighted the profound influence of Ho Chi Minh, referring to him as a “hero of national liberation” and a “great man of culture.” These sentiments were echoed by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, who emphasized the enduring relevance of Ho Chi Minh’s vision in the contemporary bilateral relationship between Vietnam and China.
The visit by Premier Li Qiang marks an important chapter in the ongoing effort to build a stronger Vietnam-China community of a shared future, aligned with the vision set forth by the leaders of both countries. The partnership is founded on mutual respect, shared strategic interests, and a commitment to regional stability.
China and Vietnam currently enjoy a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, which is the highest level of diplomatic engagement between the two countries. The partnership emphasizes cooperation in various areas, including:
- Economic cooperation: China is Vietnam’s largest trading partner, with trade volume surpassing $200 billion in recent years. The economic relationship covers a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, technology, and agriculture. Both sides have also worked to improve the balance of trade to ensure mutual benefits.
- Infrastructure development: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has played a significant role in the infrastructure development of Vietnam. Several joint infrastructure projects, including railways, ports, and energy plants, are currently underway. These projects aim to boost connectivity and economic integration between the two nations.
- Cultural and educational exchanges: China and Vietnam have a rich history of cultural interaction, sharing centuries of linguistic, religious, and philosophical influences. In recent years, both countries have focused on increasing people-to-people exchanges, with an emphasis on educational cooperation and tourism. Thousands of Vietnamese students currently study in China, and the Chinese language has seen growing popularity in Vietnam.
- Defense and security cooperation: Both nations have placed a strong emphasis on maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, a region that has seen increasing geopolitical tensions. Despite occasional differences, China and Vietnam have maintained close communication on defense and security issues through regular exchanges and joint naval drills.
Premier Li’s visit is expected to further consolidate these areas of cooperation, while addressing new challenges that have emerged in the global and regional context.
One of the key objectives of Premier Li’s visit is to build on the strategic direction set by both nations, known as the “six major goals” for bilateral relations. These goals aim to guide the relationship through the next phase of development and ensure that both nations can navigate complex regional and international challenges.
- Political Trust: Strengthening mutual political trust between the two ruling Communist Parties is a cornerstone of the relationship. Both sides are committed to maintaining high-level dialogue to ensure alignment on key regional and international issues.
- Economic Integration: Deepening economic ties, especially through initiatives like the Belt and Road, remains a priority. Vietnam’s rapid economic growth presents numerous opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, and technology.
- Defense and Security Cooperation: Enhancing cooperation in defense and security is seen as essential for maintaining peace in the region, particularly in the contested waters of the South China Sea.
- Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges: Promoting cultural understanding and expanding educational and tourism exchanges are key to fostering goodwill and mutual respect between the peoples of China and Vietnam.
- Regional and Global Cooperation: Both nations have committed to greater collaboration on multilateral platforms, including ASEAN, the United Nations, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), to address global challenges like climate change, sustainable development, and peacekeeping.
- Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection: Recognizing the need for sustainable growth, both nations are working toward closer cooperation on environmental issues, including climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and clean energy initiatives.
Premier Li’s visit is seen as an opportunity to review progress in these areas and set the course for future collaboration.
Despite the robust nature of the Vietnam-China relationship, there remain several challenges that both sides need to navigate carefully. Chief among these are territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Both countries claim sovereignty over parts of the sea, which has been a point of contention in their otherwise strong relationship. However, both Beijing and Hanoi have managed these disputes through diplomatic channels, ensuring that the broader relationship remains unaffected.
Another area of potential tension is the economic imbalance in trade. While China is Vietnam’s largest trading partner, Vietnam runs a significant trade deficit with China, a concern that the Vietnamese government has raised in recent discussions. Efforts to address this imbalance, such as increasing Vietnamese exports to China and improving market access, are expected to feature prominently in future negotiations.
Nonetheless, the visit by Premier Li Qiang highlights the opportunities for both nations to deepen their cooperation. With Vietnam’s growing role in regional supply chains and China’s continued economic influence, both sides stand to benefit from enhanced collaboration across multiple sectors.
Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Vietnam serves as a reaffirmation of the strong and enduring relationship between the two nations. The tribute to President Ho Chi Minh, coupled with high-level discussions on areas of mutual interest, highlights the shared historical ties and forward-looking vision that define the Vietnam-China relationship. As the two countries prepare to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties in 2025, the future of Vietnam-China relations looks poised for continued growth, anchored by mutual respect, strategic cooperation, and a shared commitment to regional stability.
