Beijing and Hanoi have bolstered their commitment to demarcation talks over a contested stretch of water in the South China Sea, pledging to “better” navigate bilateral frictions in the area, according to a joint communique.
The document also said the countries’ ruling communist parties had agreed to shore up each other’s leadership at home with the adoption of a new five-year action plan.
Published on Friday as To Lam, Vietnam’s top leader, wrapped up his four-day visit to China, the communique said both sides “need to better manage and actively resolve disagreements at sea” while safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea, which Hanoi refers to as the East Sea.
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“Both sides agreed … to refrain from actions that could complicate the situation or expand disputes, thereby maintaining stability at sea,” it said.
China and Vietnam would “actively” seek fundamental and long-term solutions to their maritime issues acceptable to both countries through friendly consultations in line with international law, it added.
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