Beijing (VNA) – The state visit to Vietnam by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping is expected to open a new chapter in the China–Vietnam relationship and chart the course for its future development, a Chinese scholar has said.

Choosing Vietnam as the destination for his first overseas trip in the year underscores the importance China places on its relationship with the neighbouring country, said Professor Pan Jin’e, a senior fellow at the Academy of Marxism under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s correspondents in Beijing.

According to Pan, this marks Xi’s fourth official visit to Vietnam as China’s top leader, highlighting his consistent attention to the bilateral relations.

At a recent conference on neighbourhood diplomacy, Xi reiterated that strengthening ties with neighbouring countries is a priority in China’s foreign policy. Vietnam, in particular, holds a unique position due to the two nations’ geographical proximity, cultural similarities, and similar ideals and both are socialist countries led by the Communist Parties.

Pan noted that this visit builds upon the achievements of Xi’s previous three trips, with development cooperation being one of the most anticipated outcomes. In December 2023, the two countries agreed to build a Vietnam–China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. The top leaders of both Parties and countries have conducted three reciprocal visits in just over a year.

During Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s visit to China in 2024, the two sides elevated their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and advanced the building of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. More than 10 cooperation agreements were signed during that visit. Building on those successes, a new series of agreements across various sectors is expected to be inked during Xi’s ongoing visit.

Regarding ties via the Party channel, Pan emphasised that ample room remains for further development. With both nations facing domestic challenges and complicated developments in the global situation, high-level exchanges between their leaders are essential for strategic coordination and mutual support.

During this visit, Xi is scheduled to hold talks with Vietnam’s top leaders - Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. These discussions are expected to contribute to shaping Vietnam’s future direction and strengthening the overall bilateral relationship.

Pan also highlighted the importance of sharing experiences in Party and state governance between the Communist Party of China and the Communist Party of Vietnam, calling it a vital component of bilateral cooperation.

With 2025 designated as the Year of China–Vietnam Humanistic Exchange by the two countries’ top leaders, cultural diplomacy has emerged as a key highlight. Over the past year, theoretical exchanges between the two Parties and academic collaboration between experts have been particularly promoted. Numerous Vietnamese delegations have visited China to study its latest development strategies, while cultural and tourism exchanges have also thrived. Increasing numbers of visitors from both countries are exploring "red tourism" sites and engaging in cultural and sports activities, deepening mutual understanding and strengthening the friendship between the two countries' people./.