In a significant development in cross-border rail transport, the freight train connection between China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Vietnam has seen a remarkable increase in shipping volume. Last month, a record number of 1,922 TEU containers were transported, surpassing the total shipping volume of the first quarter of 2024.
This surge in activity underscores the growing economic and trade exchange between China and Vietnam, with logistics experts noting a marked increase in activity this year. Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of enhancing both “hard connectivity” of railway, expressway, and port infrastructure, as well as the “soft connectivity” of smart customs to bolster industrial and supply chain stability between the two nations.
During a meeting with To Lam, the general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Xi emphasized the need for stronger political mutual trust, security cooperation, practical collaboration, public support, multilateral coordination, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms.
This renewed commitment to cooperation between China and Vietnam is being hailed as a significant development in regional diplomacy. The two countries have pledged to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership and build a community with a shared future, with bilateral trade already reaching 95 billion USD in the first half of the year.
Xi reiterated China’s commitment to prioritize Vietnam in its neighborhood diplomacy and assured close strategic communication and high-level exchanges between the two countries. The visit of Lam to China demonstrates the enduring camaraderie and strategic importance of China-Vietnam relations, emphasizing the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
The signing of bilateral cooperation agreements covering various sectors such as Party schools, industry, finance, customs, and media, underscores the multifaceted nature of the evolving partnership between China and Vietnam. The joint statement on promoting a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership further cements the shared commitment towards a future of mutual growth and prosperity.
This visit is expected to strengthen cooperation in politics, security, economy, and people-to-people exchanges, contributing significantly to regional peace and stability. As China and Vietnam forge ahead with their collaboration, the world watches closely as two socialist countries with a common historical background embark on a new era of partnership and progress.
