Vietnamese Leader To Lam Begins China Visit

Vietnam's General Secretary and President To Lam embarked on a three-day state visit to China on August 18, marking his first official trip since taking office. The visit aims to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and China, building on previous high-level engagements, including Xi Jinping's visit to Vietnam in December 2023. Lam's itinerary includes meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and visits to significant revolutionary sites in Guangzhou associated with Ho Chi Minh. Economic cooperation is a central theme, with bilateral trade surpassing $200 billion in 2023, highlighting Vietnam's importance as China's largest trading partner in ASEAN. Both nations are committed to enhancing political trust and collaborative efforts in various sectors, despite underlying tensions in the South China Sea. The trip reflects Vietnam's prioritization of its relations with China as a key aspect of its foreign policy.