China’s Xi Jinping visits Vietnam to bolster ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan wave on their arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam. Pic/AP

Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday seeking to further deepen ties with the Southeast Asian nation, weeks after it elevated its diplomatic relations with Western-aligned countries. In his first visit since 2017, Xi will meet with Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Vietnam's Foreign Ministry said.

"This reflects Beijing's concerns about Hanoi's advances with the West," said Nguyen Khac Giang, a visiting fellow with the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. "Concerns that Vietnam may join an anti-China alliance and gang up against China."

The Chinese leader received a red carpet welcome as Chinh greeted him on the tarmac. Dozens of Chinese and Vietnamese nationals gathered at the airport, waving Chinese and Vietnamese flags to welcome Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, who accompanied him on the visit.

Xi's visit marks 15 years of China being a "comprehensive strategic partner" of Vietnam, the highest official designation for a diplomatic relationship. Vietnam plays an increasingly important strategic role in security and the economy in Southeast Asia.

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