State visit to China by General Secretary and President To Lam marks the third bilateral visit by the top leaders of the two Parties and countries in less than two years.

At the invitation of General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and his wife, along with his wife and a high-level Vietnamese delegation, will pay a state visit to China from April 14 to 17.

Special Significance of the Visit

In a pre-visit interview, it was stated that this is the first state visit by General Secretary and President To Lam in his capacity as the top leader of the Party and State, taking place exactly one year after the visit to Vietnam by General Secretary and President Xi Jinping (from April 14 to 15, 2025).

“Simultaneously, this is the third time in less than two years that the top leaders of the two Parties and countries have exchanged bilateral visits,” it was added.

This visit, according to the official, holds three special significances.

First, the visit marks a new beginning in bilateral relations as both countries enter new development phases: Vietnam steps into a new development era following the very successful 14th National Party Congress, and China begins implementing its 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development.

“The early organization of this visit by both sides demonstrates the top priority and high determination of both parties to develop the ‘comrades and brothers’ relationship to become more stable, solid, and substantive in the time ahead,” the official assessed.

Furthermore, the visit is a very important occasion to elevate the strategic bond and establish a new height for the relations between the two Parties and countries.

The top leaders of the two Parties and countries will jointly identify new orientations and breakthroughs in economic-trade, and tourism cooperation, supply chain and production chain cooperation, education and training, science and technology, and work together to realize the development goals and aspirations of each country.

Another significance, according to the official, is that the visit will contribute to strengthening political trust, promoting solutions to resolve some remaining differences and obstacles, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges and local cooperation. Thereby, it will contribute to making the bilateral relationship increasingly stable and solid, making positive contributions to peace, stability, and cooperation in the region and the world.

“It can be seen that the increasingly stable, effective, and substantive relationship between the two countries will significantly contribute to realizing the development goals of both Vietnam and China in the new era, contributing to maintaining stability, security, cooperation, and development amidst the current unstable and uncertain global and regional situation.

Therefore, this visit is expected to be a visit of special significance, creating a mark and new momentum for bilateral relations,” the official affirmed.

Foundation for Bilateral Relations to Enter a New High-Level Development Phase

China - Image 2.

Vietnam-China relations have maintained positive development momentum in recent times, with many clear and relatively comprehensive progress steps.

Among these, political trust between the two sides has been consolidated and strengthened, continuing to play its role of strategic orientation, guiding the development of bilateral relations across fields.

Cooperation in the fields of diplomacy, national defense, and security has seen many substantive marks and transformations. Notably, the two sides have successfully organized the first session of the 3+3 Strategic Dialogue at the Ministerial level of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, and Public Security.

Substantive cooperation across fields, especially in economy, trade, and investment, has maintained strong development momentum, becoming a bright spot in the relations between the two countries. Vietnam has maintained its position as China’s largest trading partner in ASEAN for 10 consecutive years, and for two consecutive years (2024, 2025) as China’s 4th largest trading partner globally.</p

Vietnam-China railway cooperation mechanism

The Vietnam-China railway cooperation mechanism is a bilateral framework focused on enhancing cross-border rail connectivity and infrastructure development. Historically, it builds upon longstanding railway links dating back to the colonial-era Kunming-Hai Phong line, with recent efforts aimed at modernizing and integrating railway networks to boost trade and regional economic corridors. This cooperation is part of broader diplomatic and economic ties between the two neighboring countries.

14th National Party Congress

The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, held in Beijing in 1992, was a pivotal meeting that formally established Deng Xiaoping’s theory of building socialism with Chinese characteristics as a guiding ideology for the Party. It set a clear course for accelerating reform, opening-up, and modernization, playing a decisive role in shaping China’s economic transformation and development path in the late 20th century.

15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development

The “15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development” is not a physical place or cultural site, but rather a strategic policy blueprint for China. It refers to the national development roadmap for the period of 2026-2030, which will outline goals and initiatives for economic growth, technological innovation, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. Historically, such five-year plans have been a central feature of China’s governance since 1953, guiding the country’s long-term modernization and development.

3+3 Strategic Dialogue

The “3+3 Strategic Dialogue” is not a physical place or cultural site, but a proposed regional cooperation platform. It was first suggested in 2020 as a forum for the three South Caucasus countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) and their three neighboring major powers (Russia, Turkey, Iran) to discuss security and economic issues following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. While supported by some participants, it has not been formally launched, primarily due to Georgia’s reluctance to join a format that includes Russia.

ASEAN

ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a regional intergovernmental organization founded in 1967 by five founding members—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand—to promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability. It has since expanded to include ten member states, fostering a significant economic community and serving as a central platform for dialogue in Asia-Pacific affairs.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian nation with a rich history shaped by millennia of indigenous dynasties, Chinese imperial rule, and French colonization, culminating in its independence in the mid-20th century. Culturally, it is renowned for its ancient temples, vibrant cuisine, and UNESCO sites like Ha Long Bay and the complex of Huế Monuments. Today, it is a rapidly developing country that deeply honors its traditions while embracing modern growth.

China

China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over 4,000 years, marked by successive dynasties, profound philosophical traditions like Confucianism, and inventions such as paper and gunpowder. Today, it is a vast modern nation-state officially known as the People’s Republic of China, blending its ancient heritage with rapid economic development and global influence. Its cultural landscape is defined by iconic sites like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army, which reflect its imperial past and enduring artistic achievements.