Chinese Leader Xi Jinping Emphasizes Traditional Friendship in Talks with Vietnamese Official

Reuters reported on Oct. 20, 2023, that Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong to discuss the importance of their traditional friendship. The meeting comes amid increasing influence competition in Southeast Asia between China and the United States. Vietnam recently elevated its ties with the United States to a comprehensive strategic partnership, which has been seen as a notable shift in the region’s power dynamics.

Despite a brief war in 1979, China has maintained strong ties with Vietnam since establishing diplomatic relations in 1950. China supported Vietnam in its military struggles against France and the United States. President Xi urged both countries not to forget the “original intention” of their traditional friendship, considering the evolving international situation and their domestic development challenges.