Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao Pledges Stronger Trade Ties with Vietnam, Anchoring Cooperation in Digital Economy and Green Development

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has expressed his commitment to deepening bilateral trade ties with Vietnam during a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Ho Chi Minh City. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated that Wang emphasized the fruitful results of China-Vietnam trade cooperation and highlighted strategic areas of collaboration such as the digital economy, green development, and cross-border e-commerce. Amidst increased competition for influence in Southeast Asia, China and the United States have both been vying for closer relations with nations like Vietnam.

In September, Vietnam elevated its ties with the US to a comprehensive strategic partnership, placing it on an equal footing with China and Russia. In this context, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong held frank and friendly talks with Vietnam's Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu on various issues including bilateral ties, land borders, and maritime concerns during a visit to Hanoi earlier this month. There have been reports suggesting a possible visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Hanoi in late October or early November. However, three diplomats based in Hanoi have indicated that the visit may be postponed until December.

During his visit to Vietnam, Minister Wang also met with Nguyen Van Nen, the Vietnamese Communist Party secretary for Ho Chi Minh City, signaling the importance of party-to-party relations between the two countries. This commitment to deepening trade ties between China and Vietnam demonstrates the ongoing efforts to strengthen economic collaboration and the building of strategic partnerships within the region. The focus on areas such as the digital economy and green development reflects the shared interests of both countries in promoting sustainable growth.