China, Vietnam pledge to deepen bilateral ties

But Hanoi expected to continue bamboo diplomacy with other major powers too

- Lim Min Zhang

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his new Vietnamese counterpart To Lam on Aug 19 pledged to deepen bilateral relations, a sign that economic and political ties will remain strong as Hanoi continues to seek balanced relations with major powers.

In Beijing, both leaders witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents, in areas such as party school exchanges, finance, connectivity and media organisations, during Mr Lam's first overseas state trip after being elected Vietnam's top leader on Aug 3.

"I am willing to establish a good working relationship and personal friendship with you," Mr Xi told Mr Lam during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People.

Mr Xi hailed Mr Lam's predecessor, the late Nguyen Phu Trong, for his "outstanding contributions to the cause of China-Vietnam friendship", according to Chinese state media CCTV.

Mr Trong served three terms as general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam until he died of illness at the age of 80 on July 19.

Mr Lam told Mr Xi that his threeday China visit shows that "the Vietnamese party and state have always attached great importance to relations with China, and regard it as a strategic choice and top priority of Vietnam's foreign policy".