China and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is expected to resume negotiations for a code of conduct regarding the South China Sea in Manila next week. Vietnam and the Philippines are Asean member states and both are vocal critics of China’s claims in the waterway.
According to the Chinese statement on the meeting, Quang reaffirmed China’s “unparalleled significance and special nature” to Vietnam, and said bilateral ties had “always been a top priority” for Hanoi.
“Vietnam opposes and is wary of foreign interference and will strengthen high-level exchanges with China to deepen practical cooperation in all fields,” he was quoted as saying.
Soon after China’s national party congress in October, Beijing rolled out the red carpet for the chief of Vietnam’s ruling Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong, who was the first foreign leader Xi hosted after securing an unprecedented third term as Communist Party chief. There is speculation Xi will visit Vietnam in a reciprocal visit in coming months.
Quang was in Kunming for the China-South Asia Expo, part of Beijing’s latest efforts to strengthen links with regional countries.
In addition to Vietnam’s deputy prime minister, senior officials from Sri Lanka, Nepal and Laos attended Wednesday’s opening ceremony, where Wang called on South Asian countries to “ride on China’s development momentum and share the benefits of China’s growth”.
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