Wei Wei, a researcher on Việt Nam and head of the Vietnamese-language service at the China Media Group, grants an interview to the Vietnam News Agency. — VNA/VNS Photo

BEIJING — On the state visit to China by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV) Central Committee and President of Việt Nam Tô Lâm, a Chinese expert has noticed three activities representing emerging orientations for bilateral cooperation in the coming period.

In an interview given to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Beijing, Wei Wei, a researcher on Việt Nam and head of the Vietnamese-language service at the China Media Group, said that the Vietnamese leader visited the Xiong'an New Area, met with youth representatives of both countries together with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, and experienced high-speed rail travel.

Wei noted that the visit to Xiong’an – which has attracted over 1 trillion CNY (about US$146.4 billion) in investment and developed across 215 kilometres in nine years – demonstrates Việt Nam’s strong interest in China’s experience in urban development. The trip offered practical insights into how China integrates smart, green, and innovative technologies throughout urban planning and development, providing valuable lessons for Việt Nam.

The meeting with youth representatives reflected high expectations from both leaders for the future of bilateral ties. The “Red Journey” programme for Vietnamese youth in China, jointly initiated by the two General Secretaries in April 2025, has brought over 1,000 young Vietnamese people to China within a year for study and exchange activities across more than 10 provinces and cities. The youth is seen as the future of bilateral friendship.

Wei noted that during the four-day visit, Party General Secretary and President Lâm took high-speed trains twice: from Beijing to Xiong’an and from Beijing to Nanning. The Beijing–Nanning route spans more than 2,400 km and takes about 10 hours, crossing multiple regions. Beyond the experience itself, the leader’s visit to the driver’s cabin highlighted Vietnam’s growing interest in developing railway and high-speed rail systems.

Commenting on Party General Secretary and President Lâm’s article published on the People's Daily, the expert stressed three key points.

First, Việt Nam's top leader underscored the foundational role of traditional friendship and revolutionary comradeship in bilateral relations.

Second, he stressed that the unceasing enhancement of the strategic cohesion is rooted in the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries. High-level exchanges remain frequent and effective while cooperation mechanisms between the two sides' Parties, Governments and legislative bodies, as well as ministries are deepening. Notably, the first ministerial-level “3+3” strategic dialogue on foreign affairs, national defence, and public security held in March marked a new step forward.

Meanwhile, trade and investment ties continue to expand: China has been Việt Nam’s largest trading partner for over 20 consecutive years and also its second-largest source of investment. Meanwhile, Việt Nam is China’s largest trading partner in ASEAN and fourth globally. Cross-border railway and smart border gate projects are also promoting connectivity, alongside growing people-to-people links. In 2025, Chinese visitors to Việt Nam reached 5.28 million, accounting for 25 per cent of total international arrivals.

Finally, Party General Secretary and President Lâm stressed that joint efforts to build a Việt Nam–China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance will open new development space in the new era. In recent years, the two countries’ development interests have been increasingly intertwined, with similar development paths focused on high-quality growth, technological innovation, and emerging sectors. Their cooperation not only brings tangible benefits to both Parties, countries and peoples but also contributes to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and beyond, according to Wei. — VNA/VNS