Vietnam and China signed 10 agreements on Sunday, focusing on enhancing cross-border railway links, payments, and economic cooperation. This followed a meeting between Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Notably, they agreed on a technical plan for a rail link between Vietnam’s Lao Cai and China’s Hekou, and signed a MoU for cross-border payment services via QR codes.
The two nations, despite tensions over the South China Sea, are key trade partners. The agreements also include a study on a model for an economic cooperation zone along their border. Additionally, they discussed expanding cooperation in defense and security, while China pledged to improve market access for Vietnamese agricultural products. However, territorial disputes in the South China Sea persist, with recent clashes between Chinese vessels and Vietnamese fishermen escalating tensions.
During talks, Vietnamese leader To Lam urged for better management of maritime differences. Lam, who took office in August, also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his first overseas visit to Beijing.
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