"In Vietnam's multi-layered diplomacy, relations with China hold a 'special priority'—an objective requirement, a strategic choice, and a top priority," says Gu Xiaosong, a professor at the ASEAN Research Institute of Hainan Tropical Ocean University. "China is the only country that combines the roles of a neighbour state, a major power, and a traditionally friendly nation."
Gu's remarks came after To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Vietnamese president, chose China for his first overseas visit since being elected president this month.
The trip, which concluded on April 17, saw To Lam meet Chinese leaders, travel by high-speed rail to the Xiong'an New Area, and later visit Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
A reaffirmation of top-level engagement
According to Gu, the composition of the Vietnamese delegation underscored the visit's importance: two of the country's four highest-ranking leaders and 10 of the 19 Politburo members.
"This reaffirms the institutionalized high-level exchanges between the two parties," Gu says. "Even amid regional turbulence, the stability of the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership remains unchanged."
The visit also carried a strong ideological dimension. China and Vietnam share a common political foundation.
Gu notes that To Lam's trip was not merely ceremonial: "It is a strategic communication on development and security, on countering 'peaceful evolution' schemes by the West, and on jointly advancing the cause of world socialism." He points to the deep revolutionary history—Ho Chi Minh founded the predecessor of Vietnam's Communist Party in Guangzhou—as the source of their "comrades and brothers" bond.
From Xiong'an to cross-border railways: learning from China's modernization
One unusual aspect of To Lam's itinerary was his first stop after arriving in Beijing: a high-speed train to Xiong'an New Area, a rare choice for a foreign leader.
Gu sees this as a deliberate move to study China's urban planning model. Notably, the chairman of Hanoi—Vietnam's capital, which faces similar challenges of functional overload—was part of the delegation. "The green development and sponge city construction of Xiong'an offer a practical reference for Vietnam's own urbanisation," Gu explains.
The interest in infrastructure went beyond symbolism. To Lam later travelled by high-speed rail from Beijing to Guangxi, a journey of about 10 hours, reflecting Vietnam's keen interest in cross-border rail links.
Construction began on the first phase of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong railway, a standard-gauge project linking Yunnan with northern Vietnam. Bilateral rail freight now operates 14 scheduled trains per week.
Emerging frontiers and regional coordination
Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone. Bilateral trade hit a record high of over $296 billion in 2025, up 13.7% year on year, with China continuing to be Vietnam's largest trading partner.
Vietnam's economy grew 8.02% last year, surpassing $510 billion, while Chinese cumulative investment in the country has exceeded 6,000 projects. A practical step came on April 3, when Alipay was fully integrated into Vietnam's payment network.
During the visit, the two sides signed 32 cooperation documents covering party-to-party exchanges, public security, justice, economy, railways, agricultural trade, industrial and supply chains, customs, science and technology, people's livelihoods, human resource development, media, and sub-national cooperation.
These agreements reflect the broadening scope of bilateral ties, but Gu notes three key challenges ahead: aligning standards and rules, securing sustainable financing, and managing geopolitical risks.
On regional coordination, Gu highlights that 2026 presents a unique opportunity: China will host the APEC Leaders' Informal Meeting, while Vietnam takes over as co-chair of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation.
"The two sides can align their agendas and translate high-level trust into regional governance synergy," he says. On the South China Sea, he believes that shared political will, reinforced by such high-level visits, could help push forward a meaningful Code of Conduct with ASEAN.
People-to-people ties were also elevated. The Chinese side announced a China-Vietnam Tourism Cooperation Year for 2026-2027, and 200 young Vietnamese participated in a "red study tour" during To Lam's visit.
"These programs build historical memory and emotional bonds," Gu says. "They are essential for cultivating a younger generation that understands the special 'comrades and brothers' relationship."
Looking ahead, Gu concludes: "From 'comrades and brothers' to a 'community with a shared future of strategic significance', the core of China-Vietnam friendship remains unchanged. The two sides are drawing strength from their shared history to navigate an uncertain world."
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Cover: Lai Meiya
