Chinese President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi are also racing along the diplomatic circuit, with Xi this week playing host to Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam.
Historically, China and Vietnam have not been the closest of allies. But Xi and Lam focused on the countries’ shared “communist roots" during meetings in Beijing and inked 14 memoranda of understanding, covering trade, exchanges between universities and central banks, and more.
Lam described China as a “top priority” for Vietnam, while Xi pledged to “establish good working relations and a personal friendship” with Lam, aiming for “deeper and solid [bilateral] progress.”
Vietnam’s so-called “bamboo diplomacy” — being firm but flexible — is behind Lam's first trip abroad as Communist Party chief (and president). In addition to stable ties with Beijing, Hanoi boasts a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Washington, upgraded in 2023.
Vietnam has a similar arrangement with Russia, dating back to 2001, and Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the country in June. During the visit, Lam congratulated Putin on receiving “overwhelming support” in Russia’s March presidential election, a contest that Ottawa labelled a “sham.”
Beijing grasps at elusive Myanmar ceasefire
Wang Yi met with Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing last Wednesday in the military-held capital of Nay Pyi Taw. China’s readout registered Wang’s desire for peace and stability along the China-Myanmar border and noted Min Aung Hlain’s gratitude for Beijing’s “constructive role in promoting peace talks” between the junta and rebel groups.
Myanmar’s civil war continues to rage, however, and some analysts are skeptical of China’s supposed progress in bringing the two sides together.
