Vietnam, China beef up defence ties

A high-ranking Vietnamese military delegation led by Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich paid an official visit to China from October 26-28 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Sen. Lieut. Gen. Wei Fenghe. 
  • Vietnam, China hold theoretical workshop on reform experience
  • Vietnam, China reinforce ties between their parties
  • Vietnam, China to conduct joint attacks on human trafficking
  • Vietnam, China enhance cooperation in inspection work
  • Party ties important to Vietnam, China
Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich (left) and Xu Quiliang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China. (Photo: VNA)

Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich (left) and Xu Quiliang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China. (Photo: VNA)

While in China, Lich, who is also a Politburo member and Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, met with Xu Quiliang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China. 

Xu thanked the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence for its support for and participation in the eighth Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which lasted from October 24 to 26. 

Speaking highly of Lich’s speech at the forum, the host said Vietnam’s participation has contributed to the success of this year’s event. 

Xu used the occasion to congratulate General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong on his election as State President. 

He affirmed that China always attaches importance to the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with Vietnam, and will make all-out efforts, together with Vietnam, to preserve, consolidate and develop the relationship, for the interests of the two countries’ people. 

He described the fruitful bilateral defence ties as a model of the Vietnam-China relationship, stressing that China’s Central Military Commission stands ready to share its experience in army building with Vietnam. 

For his part, Lich thanked China for its support to Vietnam in the past national liberation and the present cause of national construction. 

Vietnam always wishes to develop the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in a sustainable fashion and considers it a top priority in its foreign policy, he noted. 

Echoing Xu’s view on the fine defence cooperation, Lich said the collaboration is always an important pillar of the Vietnam-China relations. 

Host and guest agreed that both sides should observe agreements reached by Vietnamese and Chinese senior leaders, especially the agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues, in order to avoid conflicts, and handle disputes peacefully on the basis of respect for legitimate rights of each other in line with international law. 

Armies must take the lead in these efforts, they said, calling for timely information exchange and joint efforts to deal with emerging incidents and prevent them from affecting the bilateral ties. 

On October 27 afternoon, Defence Minister Lich held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wei, who described the Vietnamese delegation’s China visit and attendance at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum as a vivid manifestation of cooperation and friendship between the two Parties, States and armies. 

Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich (right) inspects the guard of honour of China. (Photo: VNA)

Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich (right) inspects the guard of honour of China. (Photo: VNA)

China always wants to maintain and promote the comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership, covering defence affiliation, he reiterated. 

Lich applauded the eighth Beijing Xiangshan Forum organised by the Chinese Defence Ministry, while emphasising that Vietnam always places importance on the traditional friendship with China and considers the country a leading partner. 

Therefore, the visit aims to affirm the political trust and implement common perceptions reached by senior leaders of the two countries, contributing to enhancing cooperation between the two countries in general and their armies in particular. 

The ministers informed each other about socio-economic situation in each country. 

Regarding the defence ties, they took note of high-level meetings, exchanges between young officers, joint training and patrols and UN peacekeeping operations, particularly cooperation between military doctors of the two countries in providing health care for residents living along the common border line, and border defence friendship exchanges. 

Both sides held that the defence ties should continue to be a pillar of relations between the Parties and States, and the collaboration should be stepped up to bring about pragmatic outcomes, contributing to increasing mutual political trust and the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. 

They agreed to continue to fully implement the joint vision on defence cooperation with focus on high-level meetings, maintain the defence strategic dialogue mechanism, bring into full play hotlines, maintain joint fishery patrols in the Gulf of Tonkin between naval forces and coastguards of the two countries, join hands in training, and work on possibility to cooperate in defence industry. 

The two sides will also share experience in army building, particularly Party work and political affairs; step up affiliation in communications, helping Vietnamese and Chinese people understand more about the bilateral relations; thwart plots of hostile forces that aim to take advantage of limitations to undermine the relationship; and forge collaboration in UN peacekeeping operations. 

They will consult and support each other at multilateral forums in order to preserve peace, stability and development in the region and the world at large. 

Wei stressed that China backs and is willing to cooperate with Vietnam to help the country successfully assume the ASEAN Chair in 2020, and raise initiatives to promote the ASEAN-China relationship.

Meanwhile, Lich said Vietnam supports China in dealing with global issues, especially in consolidating peace, stability and development in the region and the world. 

During his stay in China, Minister Lich visited families of Chinese experts and advisors who helped Vietnam in national safeguarding in the past, the PLA National Defence University and a Chinese military unit.

VNA

Other News

NA Chairman pays tribute to fallen heroes in Ho Chi Minh City

NA Chairman pays tribute to fallen heroes in Ho Chi Minh City

Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man on July 26 offered flowers and incense in tribute to fallen heroes at memorial sites in Ho Chi Minh City, on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947–2026).

Key Party, State leaders attend live television programme honouring fallen heroes

Key Party, State leaders attend live television programme honouring fallen heroes

Jointly organised by Vietnam Television (VTV) and the People's Committees of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Tuyen Quang and Quang Tri provinces, the programme paid tribute to heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation while honouring the forces engaged in the search, recovery and identification of fallen soldiers' remains.

Vietnam strictly prohibits all forms of forced labour: Foreign Ministry

Vietnam strictly prohibits all forms of forced labour: Foreign Ministry

Vietnam will continue working with the US in a constructive and cooperative spirit, while urging the US side to fully take into account the measures Vietnam has adopted when adjusting tariffs on Vietnamese goods, consistent with the actual situation and Vietnam's ongoing legislative and enforcement push.

Vietnam leaves lasting imprint at AMM-59: Deputy FM

Vietnam leaves lasting imprint at AMM-59: Deputy FM

The Vietnamese delegation led by Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung embodied the foreign policy line of the 14th National Party Congress by acting proactively, responsibly and with leadership inside ASEAN.

Vietnam urges relevant parties to fully implement DOC in East Sea

Vietnam urges relevant parties to fully implement DOC in East Sea

PSNews - Vietnam has called on parties concerned to exercise restraint, act in accordance with international law, and fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said at the ministry’s regular press briefing on July 23.

Vietnam, US pledge to deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Vietnam, US pledge to deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

At the meeting, Trung welcomed Rubio's participation and active contributions to the ASEAN meetings, saying they reflected the US' commitment to maintaining engagement in the region, supporting ASEAN centrality, and contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia.

AMM-59: Vietnam proposes substantive, sustainable ASEAN-EU ties

AMM-59: Vietnam proposes substantive, sustainable ASEAN-EU ties

Looking ahead, Vietnam proposed the two sides prioritise stronger regional resilience by scaling up energy cooperation, pooling financial resources and cracking down on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, all aimed at building a resilient and sustainable blue economy.

ASEAN Regional Forum adopts Manila Plan of Action for 2026–2036

ASEAN Regional Forum adopts Manila Plan of Action for 2026–2036

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung affirmed that ASEAN would continue working with China to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and to conclude at an early date a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) that is consistent with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Caring for revolution contributors reflects Vietnam's deep humanitarian value: PM

Caring for revolution contributors reflects Vietnam's deep humanitarian value: PM

The PM urged all-level authorities, sectors, localities, and the public to fully implement relevant Party resolutions and directives as well as preferential policies for revolution contributors, push ahead with the 500-day campaign, expand gratitude movements, accelerate housing support for children of Agent Orange/dioxin victims and strengthen patriotic education.

Press release on fourth working day of 14th Party Central Committee's third plenum

Press release on fourth working day of 14th Party Central Committee's third plenum

The Party Central Committee on July 23 discussed a proposal to transfer responsibility for giving advice on mass mobilisation work from the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation to the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and central mass organisations, as well as a proposal to rename the Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation as the Commission for Information and Education.

Vietnam proposes three priorities to advance Mekong–RoK cooperation

Vietnam proposes three priorities to advance Mekong–RoK cooperation

In its capacity as co-chair in 2025, Vietnam worked closely with the RoK and the Mekong countries to maintain high-level exchanges, enhance the effectiveness of the Mekong–RoK Business Forum, organise the Mekong–RoK Forum for the first time to share project outcomes and implementation experience, and promote innovative solutions in water resource management through the third Mekong–RoK Water Forum.

Vietnam reaffirms support for UNRWA, readiness to assist Gaza recovery efforts

Vietnam reaffirms support for UNRWA, readiness to assist Gaza recovery efforts

During a meeting with the UNRWA official in Manila, the Philippines on July 22, Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang affirmed Vietnam’s consistent support for UNRWA’s role and operations, praising its efforts to maintain humanitarian, educational and healthcare assistance for Palestinians amid the complex situation.

Vietnam attends ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings with partners

Vietnam attends ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings with partners

The Vietnamese delegation proposed making energy security and transition a pillar of ASEAN-Canada relations, and urged Canada to support the implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid and expand cooperation in renewable energy, hydrogen, energy storage and nuclear power for civilian purposes.