Chinese premier in Hanoi agrees to boost ties with Vietnam

13/10/2024 6:23

        Vietnam and China agreed on Saturday to boost defence and security cooperation, the Vietnamese government said, despite their years-long maritime dispute in the South China Sea.
        
        China is Vietnam's largest trading partner and a vital source of imports for its manufacturing sector.
        
        The two countries on Saturday also agreed to boost economic ties, with China pledging to further open its market for Vietnamese farm produce while Vietnam would facilitate Chinese investment, the government added in a statement.
        
        It said the two countries will prioritise cooperation in developing railway links.
        
        The statement came after Chinese premier Li Qiang met Vietnamese President To Lam in Hanoi late on Saturday, as Li began his three-day state visit to Vietnam.
        
        Sources told Reuters on Friday China and Vietnam are expected to sign new agreements, including pacts to boost railway links and agricultural trade, during the visit.