Ahead of Chinese President and General Secretary Xi Jinping’s visit to Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son highlighted Vietnam’s desire to deepen cooperation in science and technology with China. Key areas of interest include human resource training, technology transfer, and capital support.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that as Vietnam enters a transformative era of growth, it sees great potential in science and technology collaboration with China to support the national development agenda.

Over the past 45 years, China has made remarkable strides in science and technology. Once a latecomer, China now ranks third globally in R&D investment and leads the world in patent registrations.

In recent years, China has unveiled a series of breakthroughs in critical fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G networks, robotics, semiconductors, and space technology, drawing global admiration.

China has achieved in just over four decades what many countries needed two centuries to accomplish.

For Vietnam, science and technology are recognized as decisive factors for sustainable national development. The Party and State have issued numerous strategic policies underscoring this, most notably Politburo Resolution No. 57 on boosting science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation at the national level.

This resolution highlights the importance of science, innovation, and digital advancement as breakthrough drivers to build a modern production base, prevent lagging behind, and propel Vietnam toward rapid, powerful development in the new era.

To help realize these strategic goals, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son noted Vietnam's strengths: a large and increasingly skilled workforce, improving investment attraction policies, and a dynamic market ripe for R&D activities.

Vietnam is eager to expand international cooperation and integrate deeper into global high-tech production and supply chains.

“The success of China provides strong motivation for progressive forces worldwide and creates fresh opportunities for modernization in developing nations, including Vietnam,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “The potential for science and technology cooperation between Vietnam and China is enormous.”

Vietnam is ready to strengthen its science and technology partnership with China, particularly in developing high-quality human resources, transferring advanced technologies, and securing financial assistance.

A catalyst for Vietnam - China relations

During General Secretary To Lam’s visit to China in August 2024, the top leaders of both Parties agreed to designate 2025 as the “Vietnam - China Year of People-to-People Exchange,” marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasized that this decision reflects a shared vision between the two nations’ leadership, especially as the Vietnam - China relationship has recently been elevated to a “strategic community with a shared future,” guided by the “six more” orientation.

He stated that the Year of People-to-People Exchange is a chance to reflect on the journey of bilateral ties and to honor the legacy of leaders like President Ho Chi Minh and Chairman Mao Zedong, who laid the foundations of the "deep Vietnam - China friendship, as comrades and brothers."

The initiative is seen as a driving force and an opportunity to boost cooperation in culture, education, tourism, and public diplomacy. It will also help both nations’ citizens better understand each other’s culture, people, and national identity.

Particularly, it aims to inspire younger generations to carry forward the traditions and values of the long-standing friendship between Vietnam and China - a valuable shared legacy of both nations.

The Deputy Prime Minister also described the Year of People-to-People Exchange as a “catalyst” and bonding agent that will encourage greater coordination among ministries, agencies, localities, and civic groups in both countries. This, in turn, will produce practical outcomes and contribute to the prosperity and development of each country in this new era.

He concluded that these activities and achievements would strengthen the social foundation of bilateral relations and foster a positive, trust-based atmosphere that is conducive to managing disagreements and resolving longstanding issues through effective negotiation.

Tran Thuong