13-12-2023 (HANOI) On the second day of his state visit to Hanoi, China’s President Xi Jinping is set to engage with Vietnamese leaders, marking a significant diplomatic move between the two nations. The visit, laden with symbolism and substance, has already seen the announcement of numerous deals spanning diplomatic ties, railways, and telecommunications.
President Xi’s visit to Vietnam, the first in six years, follows US President Joe Biden’s trip in September. This underscores the escalating importance of Vietnam, a key manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, amid the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China.
Scheduled for Wednesday, President Xi will commence the day by paying homage to the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the revered founding leader of Communist Vietnam. Subsequently, he is expected to hold crucial meetings with Vuong Dinh Hue, the chairman of Vietnam’s parliament, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and President Vo Van Thuong, according to details provided by Vietnam’s foreign ministry.
The highlight of the day is anticipated to be the formal signing of a China-Vietnam joint statement on diplomatic relations. The text of the statement was shared with reporters on Tuesday, indicating a commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.
In a bid to foster people-to-people connections, President Xi will also engage with students during his visit before departing in the afternoon. The streets of the Vietnamese capital have been adorned with the flags of both China and Vietnam, symbolizing the significance of this diplomatic rendezvous.
The visit comes against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics, with Vietnam emerging as a crucial player in the region. The consecutive visits by leaders of the two global powers highlight the strategic importance placed on fostering relationships in Southeast Asia.
