Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, South China — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of accelerating maritime cooperation between China and Vietnam during a meeting with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son on Thursday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted that China regards Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy.
Wang stated that both nations should work together to promote cooperation across various fields, strengthen high-level strategic communication, and align their development strategies. He underscored the need to expand cooperation in trade and investment, digital economy, green development, new energy, and key minerals.
Emphasizing people-to-people exchanges, Wang called for efforts to deepen the friendship between the two countries, ensuring it is rooted in the hearts of both peoples. He urged both sides to jointly safeguard international justice, practice true multilateralism, and support each other on issues concerning their vital interests.
Addressing regional concerns, Wang stressed the importance of properly managing differences, accelerating maritime cooperation, and advancing consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. He also warned against regional camp confrontations and the formation of “small circles” that could undermine peace and stability.
Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to China as the top priority and strategic choice in its foreign policy. He expressed willingness to coordinate closely with China to plan high-level exchanges, strengthen inter-party communications, enhance connectivity, and deepen cooperation in trade and investment.
Bui reiterated Vietnam’s adherence to the one-China policy and opposition to interference in the internal affairs of other countries under the guise of human rights and democracy. He conveyed Vietnam’s readiness to work with China to manage differences appropriately and actively promote maritime cooperation and consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, aiming to maintain regional peace and stability.
Reference(s):
Wang Yi: China, Vietnam should accelerate maritime cooperation
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