GUANGXI: China has always regarded Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and is willing to work with the Vietnamese side to jointly promote the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with visiting Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in south China.
Wang said the two sides should work together to promote cooperation in various fields, strengthen high-level strategic communication, accelerate the synergy of development strategies, and continue to expand cooperation in areas including trade and investment, digital economy, green development, new energy and key minerals.
He called for closer people-to-people exchanges to strengthen the foundation of public opinion, so that the friendship between China and Vietnam will be more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
He urged both sides to jointly safeguard international justice, practice true multilateralism, and continue to support each other on issues concerning vital interests to each other.
Both sides should properly manage differences, accelerate maritime cooperation and consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and resolve conflicts and differences through win-win cooperation, he added.
Wang emphasized the need to be vigilant on camp confrontation in the region, as well as the formation of “small circles” undermining regional peace and stability.
For his part, Bui said the Vietnamese side has always regarded China as the top priority and strategic choice of its foreign policy, and is willing to maintain close coordination with China to plan high-level exchanges, strengthen inter-party exchanges, promote connectivity, trade and investment, and deepen local cooperation.
The Vietnamese side adheres to the one-China policy, opposes interference in the internal affairs of other countries in the disguise of human rights and democracy, he said.
Vietnam is willing to work with China to properly manage differences, and actively promote maritime cooperation and consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, he added.
China pledges constructive role in resolving Myanmar’s Rakhine State crisis
China on Thursday pledged to continue to play “a constructive role” in stabilizing the situation on the ground as soon as possible in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, amidst a recent renewal of fighting.
Addressing the UN Security Council briefing on the situation of the Rakhine State of Myanmar, Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, detailed China’s stance on the ongoing conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
With recent escalations drawing international concern, Geng emphasized the conflict as Myanmar’s internal affair, urging the global community to respect Myanmar’s sovereignty and facilitate dialogue among the involved parties.
“As a friendly neighbor of Myanmar, China has been closely following the developments in the Rakhine State,” Geng stated, highlighting China’s dedication to promoting peace through “multiple channels.”
A Chinese delegation is currently in Myanmar to mediate and communicate, demonstrating China’s proactive approach to resolving the conflict, said the ambassador.
Geng reiterated China’s deep connection with Myanmar and its commitment to supporting Myanmar’s stability, development, and well-being. “China’s policy of friendship with Myanmar extends to all people of Myanmar,” he affirmed, promising continued assistance and “a constructive role” in seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis in the Rakhine State.
The ambassador expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s support for refugees from Rakhine State since 2017.
Recognizing the challenges in repatriation exacerbated by the conflict’s resurgence, Geng praised the foundational work by Myanmar and Bangladesh, supported by regional countries and the UN, to facilitate the return of displaced individuals.
“China has been actively undertaking diplomatic efforts to facilitate repatriation,” Geng mentioned, reaffirming China’s commitment to assist both nations in achieving an early resolution to the repatriation issue.
Highlighting China’s long-standing relationship with both Myanmar and Bangladesh, Geng voiced opposition to proposed sanctions on Myanmar, arguing they would “only aggravate hostilities and confrontation.” Instead, he advocated for dialogue, mutual understanding, and trust-building measures to create a conducive environment for repatriation and conflict resolution.
Geng also pointed out the essential role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the process, commending its positive progress in engaging Myanmar and providing humanitarian aid.
He urged continued international support for ASEAN’s leadership, emphasizing respect for the “ASEAN way” of solidarity and dialogue.
