Xi's visit to rejuvenate ties with Vietnam
- By Pan Jin’e
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E-mail China Daily, November 4, 2015
Therefore, the urgent task for China and Vietnam today is to restore their traditional friendship. The two countries shared a very friendly relationship from the 1950s to the late 1970s thanks to the efforts of the previous generation of leaders in two countries. The two countries' militaries fought side by side in the 1960s and early 1970s. The need, therefore, is to deepen and carry forward that friendship by making today's generations aware of the two countries' rich shared history.
Vietnam is an important neighbor of China. The two countries have a similar political system and have their historical roots run deep. In this context, China's Belt and Road Initiative could provide new cooperation opportunities for the two neighbors, as Vietnam is an important regional gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. Good relations with Vietnam are important also for China to strengthen its relations with the Association of Southeast Asia Nations and make the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road a success.
China is already Vietnam's largest trade partner with the bilateral trade volume reaching $83.6 billion in 2014 — of which Chinese exports to Vietnam comprised more than $50 billion. And this year Sino-Vietnamese trade is estimated to reach $90 billion, increasing to $100 billion in 2016.
Vietnam did sign the US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership Treaty in October. And even though it will take a long time for the 12 signatory countries to ratify the TPP, the trade pact will have a far-reaching impact on the region.
As far as regional trade and cooperation are concerned, China too is at the forefront; it is pushing for the ASEAN-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and talks for a Free Trade Area for the Asia-Pacific. Competition does exist in the region but Vietnam joining the TPP will not hinder the healthy trade development with China.
The author is a researcher in Vietnam studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article is an excerpt from her interview with China Daily's Zhang Yuchen.
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