These reports highlight the significance of the visit in enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.

Xinhua reported that General Secretary and President To Lam would undertake a state visit to China from August 18-20 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during this visit, Mr. To Lam is scheduled to hold talks with President Xi Jinping and other top Chinese officials, including Premier Li Qiang, Chairman of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji, and Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning.

The spokesperson emphasized that the visit comes as both countries are working to implement agreements reached during Xi Jinping's historic visit to Vietnam in December of the previous year. Beijing regards To Lam's decision to choose China as his first foreign destination after assuming his new roles as a clear demonstration of the importance and high regard he places on the relationship between the two nations.

“Through this visit, China aims to enhance the traditional friendship and deepen the development of a shared future community between China and Vietnam. Both countries are expected to succeed on the path of building socialism, modernizing with their unique identities, and advancing the global socialist cause. This collaboration will contribute to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world," the spokesperson emphasized.

The Global Times, a Chinese publication, also published an editorial stating that Mr. To Lam’s visit reflects Vietnam’s consistent diplomatic stance and policy choices, which align with the fundamental interests of both Vietnam and China. The editorial suggested that this visit would contribute to maintaining peace and development in the region and globally.

The newspaper noted that Vietnam-China cooperation is built on a long-standing spirit of neighborly friendship, geographic proximity, intertwined destinies, and a history of mutual support during the revolutionary struggles and national development of both countries. With such a deep and solid foundation, Mr. To Lam’s visit is expected to propel the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to new heights, especially as both nations continue on their paths toward modernization and economic prosperity.

The Global Times also referenced the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s initiation of a new foreign policy model for Vietnam, known as "bamboo diplomacy," in 2021. This strategy aims to create a favorable external environment for Vietnam’s goal of building a socialist-oriented nation by the mid-21st century. To Lam is expected to continue adhering to the foreign policy directions set forth by the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and to further advance the "bamboo diplomacy" strategy.

The newspaper further highlighted a key aspect of Vietnam’s "bamboo diplomacy"—maintaining strategic balance among major powers in the context of international integration. Despite Mr. To Lam's recent assumption of his roles, Vietnam is already demonstrating a strong ability to balance its diplomatic interactions with major powers such as China, the United States, and Russia.

Channel NewsAsia, based in Singapore, quoted Dr. Nguyen Hong Hai, a lecturer in politics and international relations at VinUniversity, as saying that Mr. To Lam's state visit to China is highly symbolic and conveys his intention to continue the legacy of the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who laid a crucial strategic foundation for Vietnam-China relations.

Mr. To Lam is expected to advance the implementation of key agreements made by his predecessor with President Xi Jinping during Xi’s visit to Hanoi last year, focusing on enhancing cooperation in areas such as politics, security, defense, and managing bilateral differences through multilateral mechanisms.

Other analysts have suggested that during his meetings with Chinese leaders, Mr. To Lam will seek opportunities to expand market access for Vietnamese agricultural products and attract high-quality Chinese investments. The two sides are also expected to expedite plans to construct high-speed railways connecting China with Hanoi and other key Vietnamese port cities.

On the occasion of Mr. To Lam’s state visit to China, the UK’s BBC published an article recounting the significant milestones in the Vietnam-China relationship since the two countries established official diplomatic ties in January 1950.

The BBC article cited data showing that China is currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner, its largest import market, and its second-largest export market. In just the first seven months of this year, Vietnam’s trade with China reached $112.2 billion, a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Vietnam exports products such as mobile phones, electronic components, rubber, agricultural products, and seafood to China, while importing machinery, equipment, raw materials for the garment and footwear industries, steel, construction materials, and daily necessities from China.

The BBC also reported that rail connectivity would be a top agenda item when Mr. To Lam meets Mr. Xi Jinping. Seamless railway lines are considered crucial for supply chains as more Chinese manufacturers shift some export activities to Vietnam amid ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States. In addition to railways, the two sides are expected to sign new agreements on agricultural trade and investment.

Tuan Anh