China's Xi meets Vietnam's new leaders, says Hanoi is 'neighbourhood diplomacy priority'

BEIJING — China's President Xi Jinping praised Vietnam on Monday (Aug 19) during talks with Vietnam's new leader To Lam in Beijing on his first state visit since he took office, Chinese official media Xinhua said.

The meeting signals the close ties between the two communist-run neighbours, which have well-developed economic and trade relations despite the occasional boundary clashes in the energy-rich South China Sea.

"China has always regarded Vietnam as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy, and supports Vietnam in adhering to the Party leadership, taking the socialist path suited to its national conditions, and deepening the cause of reforms and socialist modernisation," Xi said at the meeting.

"I believe that our road will expand wider as we walk further," Xinhua cited the Chinese leader as saying.

He underscored establishing good working relations and personal friendship with Lam.

China, displaying exuberance over Lam's choosing China for his first official trip, said last week it "fully reflects the great importance he attaches to the development of ties between both parties and countries".

Lam arrived in China's southern province Guangzhou on Sunday for a three-day visit that would include meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and other Chinese top officials.

While in Guangzhou, he visited some Chinese locations where former President Ho Chi Minh conducted revolutionary activities.

Last December, China and Vietnam signed more than a dozen agreements when Xi visited Vietnam.

The agreements, specifics of which were not announced, covered strengthening railway co-operation and development, investments in various fields and establishing communication to handle unexpected incidents in the South China Sea.

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