China and Vietnam are strengthening their economic and diplomatic relations, reaffirming their partnership despite the United States' recent attempts to influence Southeast Asia.
The U.S. has made strategic moves to gain a foothold in the region, reminiscent of its actions during the Vietnam War era. From imposing anti-dumping tariffs on imports from China and Vietnam to establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership with Hanoi in September, the U.S. aims to reduce its reliance on China for key resources like semiconductors.
However, these efforts have not deterred the growing trade between Beijing and Hanoi. In 2022, China emerged as Vietnam's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $175.57 billion, surpassing the U.S.'s $123.86 billion.
The collaboration between the two nations spans various sectors, including the digital economy, green development, and cross-border e-commerce. Their partnership is further solidified through initiatives like China's Belt and Road Initiative, which supports Vietnam's significant infrastructure needs estimated at $605 billion through 2040.
Geographically, China and Vietnam share a 1,297-kilometer land border, enhancing their bilateral cooperation. In contrast, the U.S. is over 13,000 kilometers away by air, highlighting the strong regional ties between China and Vietnam.
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China-Vietnam relations won't be derailed by U.S. spanner in the works
cgtn.com
