Shared Culture and Strong Trade: The Pillars of China-Vietnam Relations

Shared Culture and Strong Trade: The Pillars of China-Vietnam Relations

China and Vietnam share a rich tapestry of cultural and historical ties that span thousands of years. From ancient times during the Han Dynasty, cultural exchanges have woven a close connection between the two nations. Today, the streets of Vietnam still reflect this shared heritage, with Chinese characters adorning buildings and Chinese architectural influences evident throughout cities.

The cultural affinity extends to modern media as well. Chinese television dramas like “The Legend of Chu Qiao” and “Empresses in the Palace” have captivated Vietnamese youth, while Vietnamese music has found enthusiastic audiences among Chinese young people. These cultural exchanges deepen mutual understanding and foster friendships between the peoples of both countries.

The relationship between China and Vietnam is further strengthened by common ideological roots and similar political structures. Both nations are guided by their respective communist parties—the Communist Party of China and the Communist Party of Vietnam—which have cultivated a unique bond often described as “comrades and brothers.”

In October 2022, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong visited Beijing, where he and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Xi Jinping pledged to elevate their nations’ relationship to a new level. In a letter during the Spring Festival, Xi Jinping expressed that “China and Vietnam are a community with a shared future that bears strategic significance.”

Economically, the two countries have developed a robust partnership. China has been Vietnam’s largest trading partner since 2004. The land border of 1,297 kilometers between the two nations serves as a vital corridor for trade not only between China and Vietnam but also with the broader Southeast Asian region. Vietnam is China’s largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ranks as China’s fourth-largest trading partner globally.

Bilateral trade has witnessed remarkable growth, soaring from $32 million in 1991 to $234 billion in 2022. This surge underscores the strength and potential of their economic ties, anchored by a shared commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation and “win-win” development.

The enduring partnership is guided by principles emphasizing friendly neighborliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability, and future-oriented thinking. The “four good” spirit—being good neighbors, good friends, good comrades, and good partners—continues to shape the multifaceted relations between China and Vietnam.

As both nations look to the future, their shared culture and strong trade relations serve as pillars supporting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. Their cooperation not only benefits their own peoples but also contributes to the broader development of Asia.

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