BEIJING (Reuters) – Chinese President Xi Jinping told the leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam on Monday that the two countries and their parties “should not let anyone interfere” in their progress.
The bullish message against outside interference comes at a time of strained relations between China and the West, particularly the United States over issues such as Taiwan, the Ukraine conflict and trade.
Before attending a televised welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi and Nguyen Phu Trong removed their masks, shook hands and embraced.
Trong’s visit was the first by a foreign leader since President Xi Jinping secured an unprecedented third term as general secretary at this month’s 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
According to China Central Television (CCTV), Xi said, “The development of the cause of human progress is a long and winding process, and the development of socialist countries faces a very complex international environment and serious risks and challenges. there is,” he said.
“Both parties of China and Vietnam will continue to strive for the well-being of the people and the progress of mankind, push forward the socialist modernization with all their might, and never allow anyone to hinder our progress or force us to do so.” We must not shake the institutional basis of our development,” Xi added, according to CCTV.
Chong’s visit, which holds more power than Vietnam’s president or prime minister, was a showcase of communist unity.
Vietnam and China are among the last five countries in the world under communist rule, along with Cuba, Laos and North Korea.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will also visit China this week.
China is Vietnam’s largest trading partner and an important source of imports for its fast-growing economy, including raw materials and machinery for its vital manufacturing sector.
Although the two countries have a long history of mistrust and territorial disputes, including over islands and waters in the South China Sea, the Communist Party officially maintains close ties.
Like Xi, Chong also served as party leader beyond the usual one- or two-term term, extending his position in a party traditionally governed by consensus between the Politburo and a strong Central Committee. consolidate its influence. His last trip abroad was to Cambodia.
(This article has been refiled to correct the Vietnamese spelling in the heading)
Reporting by Martin Quinn Pollard. Additional coverage by Beijing Newsroom.Edited by Andrew Havens
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