Beijing (TDI): Chinese Premier Li Qiang met Vietnamese President To Lam at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday.
Li Qiang said China stands ready to accelerate infrastructure connectivity with Vietnam through standard-gauge railways, expressways and smart ports.
The two sides also agreed to foster secure and stable industrial and supply chains. To Lam is on a state visit to China from April 14 to 17, 2026. This marks his first overseas trip as president.
Li Qiang stressed that China and Vietnam should strengthen solidarity as traditional friendly neighbors. He called for following the strategic guidance of top leaders. Both countries should firmly support each other and deepen practical cooperation.
The Chinese premier expressed readiness to align development strategies. He highlighted expanding two-way trade and investment. New highlights should emerge in artificial intelligence, new energy and critical minerals.
Li Qiang urged the two sides to cultivate new growth drivers. The goal is higher-level mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. He also called for coordination in forums such as the United Nations and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
Both nations should oppose unilateralism and power politics. They must uphold fairness and justice while promoting openness.
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To Lam said Vietnam attaches great importance to relations with China. He regards these ties as the top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy.
The Vietnamese president stated readiness to advance sustainable economic connectivity. Special focus falls on railway cooperation. The two countries should enhance economic, trade and investment ties.
To Lam proposed elevating cooperation in tourism. He called for balanced and sustainable trade. Vietnam seeks breakthroughs in strategic infrastructure, with priority on cross-border rail links connecting to Central Asia and Europe.
He emphasized technology transfer and workforce training for railways. Both sides should address bilateral issues and maintain maritime security and stability.
Premier Li Qiang agreed with the proposals. China will support balanced trade and import more high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products. The leaders discussed multimodal logistics connectivity.
The meeting builds on high-level consensus. Officials from both sides reported progress in aligning strategies during the state visit.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Vietnamese President To Lam also discussed people-to-people exchanges. Cooperation in education, science and technology received attention.
Muhammad Usman Hashmi is a researcher in International Relations, focusing on climate diplomacy, global governance, and political economy in the Global South. He has contributed to policy dialogues with the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia and serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the International Council on Human Rights, Peace and Politics. He is also associated with Rethinking Economics Islamabad, contributing to research on development and sustainability.
