The Chinese mainland and Vietnam have taken significant steps to enhance their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, highlighted by the recent state visit of Vietnam's President To Lam. This marked his first official trip to China, where he engaged in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The strong bond between the two nations is rooted in a shared history of resilience against Western colonialism and imperialism. Both China and Vietnam endured extended periods of foreign aggression—China faced British and French encroachments in the 19th century, while Vietnam struggled against French colonization starting in 1858.
Their unwavering commitment to independence saw leaders like Vietnamese Ho Chi Minh collaborating with Chinese counterparts, leading to mutual support during pivotal moments such as the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and the eventual establishment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1976.
In the following decades, both nations embarked on transformative reforms. Vietnam's Doi Moi policy in the 1980s mirrored China's own reform and opening-up initiatives in the 1970s. These reforms propelled Vietnam from an underdeveloped nation to a middle-income developing country by 2016, enhancing its socio-economic infrastructure and stabilizing its political landscape.
Today, the continued diplomatic interactions and shared visions between the Chinese mainland and Vietnam underscore a commitment to building a community with a shared future, aiming for sustained growth and strategic significance in the global arena.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
