In a solemn display of solidarity, China's top political advisor Wang Huning led a delegation to Hanoi this week as General Secretary Xi Jinping's special representative, paying tribute to Vietnamese leader Nguyen Phu Trong following his passing. The visit underscored the \"comrades and brothers\" bond between the two socialist nations.
A Gesture of Shared Grief
Wang, chairman of China's top political advisory body, laid a wreath at Hanoi's National Funeral Hall where Trong’s coffin rested under the Vietnamese flag. Observing a moment of silence and three ceremonial bows, Wang conveyed heartfelt condolences from Xi and his wife to Trong's family. The gesture mirrored Xi’s earlier tribute at the Vietnamese Embassy in Beijing.
‘Staunch Marxist, Great Friend’
In meetings with Vietnamese President To Lam and PM Pham Minh Chinh, Wang praised Trong as a visionary leader who strengthened Vietnam's socialist path and China-Vietnam ties. \"His legacy lives on in our shared future,\" Wang said, reaffirming Beijing’s support for Vietnam’s reform policies.
Vietnam’s Pledge to Partnership
Vietnamese leaders acknowledged China’s \"special feelings\" toward their nation, vowing to prioritize bilateral relations. They highlighted Trong’s famous phrase about the nations’ \"profound friendship\" and pledged to advance a strategically significant community with China—a vision both leaders championed during Xi’s 2023 Hanoi visit.
Beyond Borders
The delegation also met Cuba’s National Assembly president Esteban Lazo Hernandez, showcasing socialist solidarity. Meanwhile, Vietnam congratulated China on its recent CPC plenum, noting its reforms could inspire Vietnam’s own Doi Moi modernization efforts.
