Vietnam Party chief highlights ‘3+3’ dialogue as key to deepen strategic trust, boost ties with China

Lam made the remarks while receiving Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Minister of National Defense Dong Jun, and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong in Hanoi on Monday during their visit for the inaugural ministerial-level ‘3+3’ dialogue held earlier the same day, according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the reception, Lam welcomed the joint visit by the three Chinese ministers and the inaugural dialogue, stating that the mechanism reflects both countries’ shared responsibility for maintaining peace, stability, and development in the region and beyond.

He conveyed greetings to President and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Xi Jinping, and thanked the Chinese leadership for its strong support for the CPV’s 14th National Congress in January.

Lam also congratulated China on its recent achievements and the successful convening of the fourth session of China’s 14th National People’s Congress, expressing confidence in the country’s continued high-quality development.

Sharing outcomes of the CPV’s 14th National Congress, Lam reaffirmed that strengthening national defense and security, alongside promoting foreign affairs and international integration, remains a core and long-term task for Vietnam.

He stressed that amid complex global developments, Vietnam consistently pursues a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification, while respecting international law and the United Nations Charter and resolving disputes through peaceful means.

He also reiterated Vietnam’s ‘Four No’s’ defense policy – no participation in military alliances, no affiliation with one country to oppose another, no permission for foreign countries to establish military bases in or use Vietnamese territory to oppose others, and no use or threat of force in international relations.

The Party chief said developing relations with China is a top priority and a strategic choice in Vietnam’s foreign policy, noting that both sides have established comprehensive frameworks and guiding principles that provide a solid political foundation for bilateral ties.

He added that high-level consensus and cooperation agreements have been effectively implemented across sectors, with key contributions from the diplomatic, defense, and public security sectors of both countries.

Looking ahead, Lam called on both sides to further strengthen strategic alignment to ensure cooperation delivers tangible benefits to their peoples.

He expressed readiness to maintain close exchanges with Xi to guide the positive development of bilateral relations in the new term.

Lam urged the diplomatic, defense, and public security sectors of both countries to take the lead in implementing high-level consensus and in developing the ‘3+3’ dialogue into a model cooperation mechanism.

He also called for stronger coordination between the two countries’ foreign ministries to organize exchanges at all levels and promote substantive cooperation, particularly in railway connectivity, while facilitating trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.

In defense and security, he proposed that both sides continue to effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms, seek breakthroughs in key areas, and enhance coordination in law enforcement and crime prevention.

On maritime issues, Lam emphasized the need to properly manage differences in line with high-level consensus and resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

For their part, the Chinese ministers conveyed greetings from Xi to Lam and congratulated Vietnam on the successful organization of the CPV’s 14th National Congress and the 16th National Assembly election this month.

They also congratulated Lam on his re-election as Party chief.

They expressed confidence that under the CPV’s leadership, Vietnam will successfully implement its development goals and achieve further progress in the years ahead.

The Chinese officials affirmed that China regards Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and stands ready to strengthen coordination with Vietnamese counterparts in line with high-level consensus.

They also pledged to step up exchanges on Party building and governance; deepen cooperation in defense, security, law enforcement, crime prevention, and joint exercises; and expand collaboration in trade, investment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence.

They further committed to strengthening the social foundation of bilateral ties by promoting cooperation in tourism, education, and people-to-people exchanges, while working with Vietnam to better manage and resolve differences in line with the evolving level of bilateral relations, high-level consensus, and international law.