China and Vietnam are revving up their partnership like a well-oiled dragon boat crew , with top diplomats pledging to accelerate maritime cooperation and regional stability. During talks in Guangxi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized aligning development strategies and expanding collaboration in trade, green tech, and critical minerals – think solar panels
and EV batteries
meeting rice paddies
.
Wang called the relationship a “priority in neighborhood diplomacy,” urging both sides to speed up South China Sea Code of Conduct talks and ditch “small circles” that fuel tension . Vietnamese FM Bui Thanh Son reciprocated, calling China Vietnam’s “top strategic choice” while reaffirming the one-China policy
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The powerhouse duo plans to:
Boost digital economy and climate-friendly projects
Strengthen high-level political dialogue
Expand cultural exchanges (#PhoAndHotpotCollab anyone?)
Jointly manage maritime differences through dialogue
With Vietnam being China’s largest ASEAN trade partner ($230B+ in 2023 ), this win-win collaboration could reshape regional dynamics. As Wang wisely noted: “Friendship grows when rooted in people’s hearts” – here’s to less waves and more handshakes
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Reference(s):
Wang Yi: China, Vietnam should accelerate maritime cooperation
cgtn.com