Vietnamese President Lương Cường held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, during the events that mark the 80th anniversary of world people’s victory over fascism. The meeting emphasized the bilateral commitment to developing the Vietnam–China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Lương and Xi Jinping reiterated the importance of strengthening the political dimension of the partnership and enhancing cooperation on defence and security matters, economic connections, and cultural exchanges. The two Presidents included writing directly to each other in the open letter, as private citizens occupying the most senior political positions in their countries. Xi Jinping reemphasized China’s support for Vietnam’s socialist path and reaffirmed its position with respect to the 14th Party Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Vietnam is directing efforts to deepen cooperation on transport connectivity; high quality investment and people-to-people exchanges for the time being.
Significantly, maritime issues were addressed, with President Lương Cường calling for respect for international law and UNCLOS 1982. These comments were in keeping with Vietnam’s attempt to balance its sovereignty concerns with Beijing’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. At the same time, China called for accelerated cooperation in railways, trade, and emerging technologies.
For India, it highlights Beijing’s attempt to exert greater influence in Southeast Asia through “shared future” language and connectivity initiatives. Vietnam may be cautious of Chinese ambitions, but its rising engagement with Beijing illustrated the strategic competition India faces in shaping the Indo-Pacific order.
