By joining hands and strengthening cooperation countries can effect a meaningful sea change

People buy small commodities from a Vietnamese vendor (on a motorcycle) in Dongxing, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Jan 8. [Photo by Zhang Ailin/Xinhua]

This is an editorial from China Daily.

President Xi Jinping's two-day visit to Vietnam, starting on Monday, is the first stop on his three-nation trip to Southeast Asia and his second visit to the country in less than 18 months. It reflects the smooth communication and coordination between the two neighbors that has injected strong momentum into their comprehensive cooperation.

Thanks to their strong traditional friendship and the strategic significance Beijing and Hanoi have attached to developing bilateral ties, Sino-Vietnamese cooperation has flourished in many fields, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.

This has been made possible because the two countries, both treading the path of reform and modernization, view the development of each other as an opportunity and have not let their differences overshadow the larger picture of good neighborly ties. And with their economies highly complementary, there are bright prospects in expanding their cooperation.

The breadth and depth of the burgeoning partnership was highlighted by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son's announcement prior to the commencement of Xi's visit that approximately 40 agreements across various sectors were expected to be signed during his stay.

President Xi on his part has stressed the need for the two countries to strengthen their collaboration. Calling for the bolstering of their production and supply chain cooperation and expanding ties in areas such as artificial intelligence and the green economy, Xi expounded in an article, published by Vietnam's Nhan Dan newspaper ahead of his visit, a vision of shared prosperity and progress that deeper cooperation could yield. This is reflected in Vietnam's commitment to enhancing collaboration in defense, security, and infrastructure, with a specific emphasis on rail links, which further underscores the multifaceted nature of their deepening cooperation.

For more than 20 years, China has remained Vietnam's largest trading partner, while Vietnam has been China's largest trading partner among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for years. Looking ahead, the prospects for enhanced Sino-Vietnamese cooperation in the Belt and Road Initiative, infrastructure development, and cultural exchanges present promising avenues for mutual growth. The commitment to expanding bilateral trade, facilitating connectivity, and fostering people-to-people ties embodies their shared vision for a prosperous and interconnected future.

Indeed, as both countries are prime targets for the US administration's weaponization of tariffs, they have everything to gain from standing together and jointly safeguarding the multilateral trading system, stable global industry and supply chains, and an open and cooperative international environment. It is therefore a natural choice for the two neighbors to deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperation.

Their latest diplomatic engagement, which is expected to outline a new blueprint for building a community with a shared future between China and Vietnam, also holds significance for the economic landscape of the region as a whole.

As both countries navigate the challenges posed by the US administration's wanton assault on global trade, a strengthened commitment to mutual development and cooperation guided by the principles of equality and mutual benefit and leveraging the symbiotic trade dynamics between the two countries can consolidate and reinforce their resilient and mutually beneficial economic partnership. That sets a good example for other countries in the region and beyond — showing there is still life in international trade after the US' shocking display of imperiousness.

The evolving partnership between China and Vietnam holds immense potential for driving economic growth in the region, fostering regional stability, and advancing mutual interests. As both nations deepen their collaboration across various sectors, the path toward a resilient and prosperous future for the region is paved with opportunities for shared success and enduring friendship.

As shown by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement, Asia is a highland for cooperation and development. As a key free trade agreement initiated by ASEAN, the RCEP agreement encompasses a comprehensive framework covering trade in goods and services, investment, intellectual property, electronic commerce, competition, and more. The agreement not only enhances market access but also paves the way for a new era of economic opportunities for regional businesses.

President Xi's reaffirmation of the strategic importance of Vietnam in China's neighborhood diplomacy underscores China's commitment to mutual prosperity and stability in the region.

As nations navigate the increasingly complex global landscape, the imperative for solidarity, mutual trust, and cooperation becomes ever more paramount. Xi's call for joint efforts to counter challenges such as decoupling and to uphold international fairness and justice resonates with the need for a collaborative approach to address shared concerns and promote regional stability.