Ho Chi Minh City leaders welcome commanders of China’s naval training task force on goodwill visit

The task force comprises the training ship Qi Jiguang, which arrived at Lotus Port in Ho Chi Minh City on July 5, and the amphibious dock landing ship Kunlun Shan, which remained anchored at Anchorage No. 0 off Vung Tau due to technical safety requirements, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

The visit of the task force, led by Colonel Liu Zhanfeng and Colonel Xu Jianguo, is aimed at strengthening defense cooperation and mutual understanding between the naval forces of Vietnam and China.

On Monday, standing deputy chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City administration Nguyen Loc Ha hosted a reception for the two colonels.

He said the task force's visit helps translate into action the shared understanding reached by senior leaders of the two Parties, states, and militaries on strengthening defense and security cooperation, enhancing political trust, and deepening mutual understanding.

Ha also expressed confidence that the task force's commanders, officers, and sailors would continue serving as a bridge for closer cooperation between the two navies.

He noted that Vietnam-China relations have maintained positive momentum in recent years across politics, trade, culture, people-to-people exchanges, and local-level cooperation.

Ho Chi Minh City has established friendship relations with eight Chinese provinces and municipalities, including Guangdong, Guangxi, Shanghai, Chongqing, and Shandong.

Deputy chairman Ha said the city hopes to expand cooperation with Chinese partners by maintaining regular high-level exchanges and promoting collaboration in science and technology, innovation, smart manufacturing, the digital economy, the green economy, the circular economy, and clean energy.

The city also seeks closer cooperation in modern transportation infrastructure, particularly urban rail systems, metro networks, and standard-gauge railways.

In addition, Ho Chi Minh City hopes to strengthen cooperation in tourism, people-to-people exchanges, maritime services, sea transport, and logistics connectivity between major Chinese ports and the city's port system, particularly the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port complex.

Speaking at the reception, Colonel Liu thanked Ho Chi Minh City authorities for their warm and thoughtful hospitality.

He said the voyage serves both as a comprehensive blue-water training mission for naval cadets and as one of the Chinese Navy's annual international exchange activities.

During the task force's stay in Ho Chi Minh City from July 5 to 9, its members will take part in ship tours, professional exchanges, cultural activities, and sporting events.

Colonel Liu said he hoped the visit would further enhance mutual understanding, build trust, and strengthen friendship between the armed forces and peoples of the two countries.