Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam’s article published in the People's Daily of China on the occasion of the state visit to Vietnam by Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping highlighted the strategic nature and historical depth of relations between the two countries, according to Chinese scholars.
Prof. Xu Liping, Director of the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Science (CASS), emphasised that the article’s prominent publication in the People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China (CPC), is a extremely important diplomatic gesture, clearly demonstrating the great importance the Vietnamese Party and State attach to Xi’s trip.
In his article titled "Joining Hands to Open a New Era of Development of Vietnam - China Friendship,” Lam emphasised that Xi, as the top leader of the CPC and the People’s Republic of China, has visited Vietnam more than any other Chinese leader in history. Lam called Xi a sincere comrade and a close friend of Vietnam.
Xu said Lam's choice of words reflects his deep respect and high regard for the Chinese leader.
According to Xu, in his article, the Vietnamese Party leader stressed that China was the first country in the world to officially establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam, and Vietnam was the first Southeast Asian country to establish official diplomatic relations with China. This underscores the strategic significance and long-standing history of Vietnam–China relations.
Lam’s vision for advancing Vietnam–China relations in the new era holds great significance for building a Vietnam–China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, the professor said.
Xu noted that key priorities spotlighted by the Vietnamese leader such as strengthening strategic exchanges and mutual trust, promoting practical cooperation, and deepening people-to-people exchanges, were seen as vital initiatives to foster the building of the community in the future.
Meanwhile, Ling Dequan, a researcher at China's Centre for World Affairs Studies, who is former head of Xinhua news agency's bureau in Hanoi, said this is the first time a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) has penned an important article in the People’s Daily. Moreover, this is also the first time the newspaper has carried such a significant article by a foreign leader, which reflecting that the Chinese Party, government, and people attach great importance to developing bilateral relations, as well as their respect, trust and deep friendship towards the CPV Central Committee led by Lam.
The article also reflects the high regard the Vietnamese Party, government, and people give to bilateral relations, and their respect, trust, and friendship toward the Chinese leader, the researcher said.
Shen Shiwei, a journalist of China Global Television Network (CGTN) under China Media Group (CMG), said what impressed him most in Lam’s article was the "profound Vietnam–China bond — both comrades and brothers"./.

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☕ Afternoon briefing on May 15
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

PM calls for WB’s assistance for large scale infrastructure projects
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that the Vietnamese Government always regards the WB as an important, close, and trusted partner that has provided great support and made positive contributions to the country’s socio-economic development, helping the Southeast Asian nation achieve significant accomplishments in its “Doi moi” (renewal) process, international integration, and sustainable development.

Party chief urges Nghe An’s emergence as modern local development model in new era
Party chief To Lam asked Nghe An province to choose a sustainable and in-depth development pathway, focusing on sustaining a stable, secure, and conducive environment for growth and improving the well-being of residents.

Private sector development takes centre stage at NA’s 9th session
The Party Committee of the Government was tasked with developing a set of exceptional policies and mechanisms to be submitted to the National Assembly for approval during its ongoing 9th session.

Vietnam, China hold bilateral border patrol
This work revealed that the border line and markers remain intact, with no signs of violations or incidents breaching the border regulations.

Outstanding youngsters to serve as “ambassadors of inspiration”: President
State President Luong Cuong praised the 500 young delegates as outstanding, exemplary faces, sources of pride, hope, and the bright future of the nation.

Thai Prime Minister begins official visit to Vietnam
Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrived in Hanoi on May 15, beginning her two-day official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Vietnam, US review 50 years of peace and reconciliation
Rachel Stohl, Senior Vice President of Research Programmes at the Stimson Centre, said Vietnam and the US have gone from former foes to comprehensive strategic partners, and are working together for peace and for the benefit of their peoples.

People-to-people exchange helps deepen Vietnam – Nepal relationship: Diplomat
Vietnamese Ambassador to India, Nepal and Bhutan Nguyen Thanh Hai said in recent years, the strong promotion of people-to-people exchange has truly served as a bonding force between the two countries, noting that the Vietnam – Nepal Friendship Association (VNFA), established in September 2014, has played an active role in this regard.

Slovakia considers Vietnam a top important partner in Asia: Slovak FM
Vietnam and Slovakia have potential for expanding cooperation in many fields such as economy, tourism, nuclear energy, and defence industry.

Vietnam reaffirms deeper participation in UN peacekeeping activities: Officer
Vietnam has deployed nearly 1,100 personnel to UN peacekeeping missions, he said, adding that the Southeast Asian nation has encouraged and created opportunities for female military personnel to join peacekeeping operations, while regularly coordinating with the UN and international partners to conduct training programmes and international exercises.

NA to discuss mechanisms, policies for private economic development on May 15
Lawmakers are expected to discuss a draft Law on Atomic Energy (revised) and draft resolutions on mechanisms and policies for private economic development, and on a number of special mechanisms and policies to create breakthroughs in law making and enforcement on May 15

☀️ Morning digest on May 15
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency.

Legal assurance, innovation support key to private sector’s development: Top legislator
The National Assembly (NA)’s Standing Committee on May 14 afternoon deliberated on a draft resolution aimed at unleashing the potential of the private sector, with NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man underscoring the State’s support in legal frameworks, digital transformation, and innovation for the sector’s growth.

Party chief requests promoting innovation, digital transformation in schools
Meeting with teachers and students of Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted and Cau Giay Secondary School on May 14 afternoon, Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Party aims to build a modern and world-class education system rooted in Vietnamese cultural identity, thus nurturing a young generation that excels intellectually, thrives physically, embraces national values, and is capable of competing globally to elevate Vietnam’s position in the international arena.

Vietnam hopes for S&P accurate assessments on financial market: Deputy PM
The S&P experts expressed a belief that with such strong institutional reforms and a dynamic policy agenda, Vietnam’s economy is poised for rapid growth, and its sovereign credit rating will see further improvement in the near future.

NA scrutinises draft Law on Participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations
NA scrutinises draft Law on Participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations

☕ Afternoon briefing on May 14
PM Pham Minh Chinh's reception for the Chairman of the China Huadian Engineering Co., Ltd, Vietnam's re-election as Chair of the World Customs Organisation (WCO)'s Permanent Technical Committee, and the Health Minsitry's recommendation for sustained vigilance against COVID-19 are among news highlights on May 14.

Lawmakers discuss decentralisation, delegation of power in two-level local administration structure
Stressing the significance of the bill, deputies stressed the need to carefully review provisions on the roles and powers of the two-level local administration, particularly tasks performed by the district level, to avoid overlapping responsibilities or legal ambiguities that can disrupt governance and negatively affect people and businesses.

Vietnam welcomes Chinese firms' engagement in high-speed railway projects: Deputy PM
Vietnam welcomes Chinese enterprises, including the CCECC, to actively collaborate with Vietnamese firms to improve competitiveness in terms of technology, quality, and cost-efficiency as they engage in the investment and construction of high-speed rail lines in Vietnam.