Nestled above the vibrant streets of Hanoi, the new Metro Line 2A stands as a modern testament to 75 years of enduring cooperation between China and Vietnam. Built by Chinese companies, this 13-kilometer elevated rail line, featuring 12 stations, has revolutionized urban mobility by reducing travel time from 90 minutes to just 23, while serving over 35 million passengers by April 2025. This impressive achievement not only eases congestion but also fuels job creation, cuts pollution, and strengthens the bonds between the two neighbors.
During his fourth state visit to Vietnam, Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the deep-rooted friendship in a signed article by stating, "the China-Vietnam community with a shared future is rooted in our fruitful cooperation." In discussions with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam, Xi emphasized that decades of close collaboration—stemming from their shared revolutionary past—have provided a foundation of stability and certainty amid global uncertainties.
The powerful link between the two nations is further demonstrated by thriving trade and cultural exchanges. In 2024, bilateral trade exceeded $260 billion, with Vietnamese agricultural products, such as the increasingly popular durian, enjoying robust demand in the Chinese mainland. Additionally, Chinese direct investment in Vietnam has reached significant levels, reinforcing economic growth and regional development.
Beyond commerce, cultural exchanges are flourishing. In 2024, more than 3.7 million visitors from the Chinese mainland explored Vietnam, and innovative cross-border initiatives like the Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall project have set a model for sustainable tourism collaboration. A recent survey revealed that most young people in Vietnam regularly engage with Chinese music, films, TV shows, and social media, deepening mutual understanding and cultural appreciation.
As Vietnam continues modernizing its infrastructure with landmark projects like Metro Line 2A, the collaboration between China and Vietnam shines as a beacon of stability and progress, inspiring future generations to build upon a legacy of shared challenges and triumphs.
Reference(s):
75 years on, China-Vietnam cooperation brings stability to the world
cgtn.com
