Vietnam's President To Lam made his first overseas visit to China, signaling a commitment to strengthen bilateral ties as he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders signed 14 agreements, which include plans for cross-border railways and cooperation in various sectors, emphasizing Vietnam's priority status in China's neighborhood diplomacy. Lam expressed that Vietnam regards its relationship with China as a top priority and aims to deepen strategic mutual trust. Meanwhile, during a separate visit, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed multiple deals with Lam, focusing on fossil fuel supplies and cooperation in education and technology, as Russia seeks to bolster ties in Asia amid growing international isolation. Both countries underscored the importance of enhancing security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, although no major defense agreements were announced. These developments reflect a broader shift in Vietnam's foreign policy, balancing relationships with both China and Russia as global dynamics evolve.