China’s Wang Yi calls for progress with Vietnam on South China Sea cooperation

At a meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son, the two sides flagged a dialogue mechanism on diplomacy, defence and security

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Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (left) and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 5:00pm, 11 Dec 2024

China and Vietnam should properly manage their differences and make new progress in maritime cooperation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son in Beijing on Tuesday.

Son arrived in China on Sunday for a four-day visit, against the backdrop of the long-standing South China Sea disputes between the two socialist neighbours, as well as looming uncertainties ahead of US president-elect Donald Trump’s second term.

Wang also said that Beijing and Hanoi should strengthen economic cooperation and establish a “stable and smooth cross-border industrial and supply chain”, according to a report on the meeting in party newspaper People’s Daily.

“We should promote mutual benefit and a win-win situation, build a stable and smooth cross-border industrial chain and supply chain, and strengthen cooperation in emerging areas,” he said.

Son’s visit saw the establishment of a “3+3” strategic dialogue mechanism on diplomacy, defence and public security, which met for the first time on Monday, according to the newspaper.

Also on Monday, the Vietnamese foreign minister visited Beijing’s cutting-edge hi-tech hub Zhongguancun, according to Vietnam Government News.