In August 2023, Vietnam’s top leader, To Lam, began his historic trip to China. Surprisingly, his journey started not in Beijing, but in Guangzhou, a city with special historical significance. It was in Guangzhou that Ho Chi Minh, the late Vietnamese leader, first began his revolutionary work.
Chinese President Xi Jinping later referred to this visit as “quite meaningful” and highlighted the strong historical ties between the two countries. Xi is set to make his fourth visit to Vietnam as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese President. This trip coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam. These two socialist nations, which share a deep and enduring bond, have always considered each other “comrades and brothers.”
The friendship between the two nations is not merely symbolic. Xi views the ongoing China-Vietnam friendship as a living, evolving cause. His visit offers an opportunity to draw inspiration from their shared history and build on their future cooperation. During a 2017 state visit to Vietnam, Xi gifted a significant national treasure—19 issues of The People’s Daily, the official CPC newspaper. Some of these editions were rare, dating back to 1955 when Ho Chi Minh visited China. Xi personally pointed out one particular edition, which featured a photo of Ho Chi Minh with Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai.
The importance of these historical moments was not lost on Xi, who saw Ho Chi Minh as “like a brother” to China’s revolutionary leaders. Xi holds the contributions of Ho Chi Minh and other early leaders in high regard. Xi believes the China-Vietnam relationship was strengthened by their efforts, which have stood the test of time. During his first state visit to Vietnam in 2015, Xi even quoted Ho Chi Minh’s own words: “China and Vietnam enjoy comradely and brotherly friendship.” For Xi, Ho Chi Minh’s spirit lives on, not just in Vietnam but in China’s hearts as well. One of the defining elements of China-Vietnam diplomacy is the tradition of “tea talks.” This informal yet intimate exchange allows the leaders of the two nations to discuss bilateral issues in a relaxed setting. In 2024, Xi hosted Vietnamese leader To Lam at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
The leaders engaged in a tea ceremony, sharing a conversation over traditional Chinese performances. This type of meeting allows for personal dialogue that transcends the formality of state talks. In the past, such tea gatherings have served as a memorable part of bilateral exchanges. For example, during a 2017 tea gathering, Xi gifted Vietnam’s General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong a replica of Ho Chi Minh’s handwritten poem “Walking.” This poem symbolized the resilience of Ho Chi Minh’s journey and was meant to inspire the continued strength of China-Vietnam relations. As both countries look ahead, their shared values and goals have guided them toward a brighter future. In 2023, during another state visit, Xi and Vietnam’s leadership pledged to build a community with a shared future.
This vision underscores the importance of strategic cooperation and mutual benefit. Xi expressed the need for both countries to walk together on this path. The goal is to not only strengthen political ties but also to foster broader cooperation in trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. This spirit of collaboration is vital as both nations face global challenges in an ever-changing world. During his 2023 visit, Xi took time to meet young people from both countries who had contributed to fostering China-Vietnam relations.
One of these youth, Vietnamese student Le Nguyet Quynh, spoke about the importance of continuing the legacy of friendship. Quynh, who is studying at Tsinghua University, shared her experiences of meeting Xi. She sees herself and others like her as the future frontrunners who will carry the China-Vietnam friendship forward. As Quynh noted, cultural exchanges, such as the increasing number of Vietnamese students studying in China, create lasting bonds. These cultural and educational exchanges are helping to build a shared future between the two nations. Quynh and many other students represent the future of China-Vietnam friendship, and their experiences help to reinforce the deep connections between the people of both nations.
As China and Vietnam look toward a future of even stronger ties, Xi’s upcoming visit will be an important moment in their ongoing relationship. The shared history, meaningful exchanges, and youthful energy that characterize the China-Vietnam friendship offer a solid foundation for continued cooperation. In the coming years, both countries aim to deepen their partnership for mutual benefit, ensuring that the China-Vietnam friendship will continue to flourish for generations to come.
