Beijing (VNA) – Vietnamese students in China have expressed their aspirations for a stronger, more substantive partnership between Vietnam and China, aiming to bring tangible benefits to their people as the two countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchanges.
Le Trung Thanh, a PhD candidate and President of the Vietnamese Students Association in Beijing, highlighted the multi-faceted nature of Vietnam-China relations. He pointed out positive development steps in diplomatic ties, strengthened by high-level visits and regular exchanges that have bolstered political trust and demonstrated close cooperation between the two nations.
Thanh described economic and trade ties as a significant highlight, with Vietnam and China being each other’s largest trading partners. Regarding people-to-people exchanges, he noted that both nations have sustained numerous cultural, educational, and tourism initiatives, along with exchange programmes between the youth and organisations, fostering greater mutual understanding and trust among younger generations. On regional and international cooperation, the two sides have coordinated well in international forums, demonstrating mutual support on common issues such as sustainable development and climate change response, he stated.
Looking ahead, Thanh expressed his optimism about continued efforts to build a stable, balanced, and mutually beneficial relationship. He called for enhanced economic and trade ties, including policies to reduce Vietnam’s trade deficit and provide Vietnamese enterprises with better access to the Chinese market, especially in agriculture, high-tech industries, and services. Thanh also suggested collaboration in creating stable and sustainable supply chains, capitalising on the two countries’ geographical proximity and production capacities amid global uncertainties.
He further emphasised the importance of expanding youth exchanges, student exchange programmes, and joint research projects. Thanh noted that these initiatives will deepen mutual understanding and promote cultural connectivity through events such as cultural weeks, art exhibitions, and tourism collaborations.
Nguyen Quynh Chi, a master’s student at Renmin University of China, shared a similar view. She recognised the substantial progress in Vietnam-China relations in recent years, exemplified by high-level visits that have strengthened political trust and fostered comprehensive cooperation across various fields.
Looking forward, Chi expressed her hope that the two nations will continue to prioritise high-level visits while advancing economic, educational, and cultural cooperation. Such efforts, she noted, will establish a solid foundation for the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and contribute to peace and development in the region.
Chi highly evaluated the role of people-to-people exchanges in fostering enduring friendship. She suggested initiatives such as cultural exchange programmes, student forums, culinary festivals, and cultural exhibitions to connect the younger generations of both nations.
She also proposed organising writing contests, debates, and eloquence competitions on Vietnam-China relations to help young people understand the history and prospects of bilateral cooperation. She recommended study trips for Vietnamese students in China and vice versa to explore each other’s history, culture, and daily life, fostering deeper appreciation of traditions and heritage.
Moreover, Chi highlighted the potential of academic seminars and discussions to promote innovative thinking and collaboration. She advocated for strengthening ties between universities through joint seminars, student exchange programmes, and research initiatives, laying a strong foundation for a sustainable Vietnam-China friendship./.
