China and Vietnam Sign New Deals

On April 14, 2025, China and Vietnam signed 45 cooperation agreements during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Hanoi. These agreements cover a wide range of areas, including infrastructure, artificial intelligence, maritime cooperation, cultural exchanges, and agricultural trade. This strategic partnership comes amid rising global trade tensions, particularly with the United States.

This deepening of Sino-Vietnamese relations comes at a time when both countries are facing growing trade tensions with the United States. Washington recently imposed tariffs of 145 per cent on Chinese products and plans to introduce a 46 per cent tax on Vietnamese exports starting in July 2025, after a global moratorium ends. In response, China and Vietnam reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and regional economic cooperation. They also emphasized the importance of strengthening supply chains and increasing cooperation in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and sustainable development.

The signed agreements also include initiatives in cybersecurity, cultural and media exchanges, as well as human resource development. The two countries expressed their desire to strengthen mutual political trust and promote pragmatic cooperation. Despite ongoing disputes, particularly in the South China Sea, China and Vietnam highlighted their intention to work together to support sustainable economic growth in the region.

As part of this enhanced cooperation, the two countries also announced initiatives to promote cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges. With 2025 being designated as the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges, these projects aim to strengthen human ties and foster a better mutual understanding between the two nations.

Finally, this series of agreements represents an important step for China and Vietnam as they seek to consolidate their strategic partnership while addressing global economic challenges. By deepening cooperation in key sectors such as infrastructure, new technologies, and agriculture, the two countries aim to play a leading role in the development of the regional economy and support an international order based on cooperation and mutual respect.

The joint efforts of China and Vietnam are aimed at creating an environment conducive to economic growth and regional stability. These agreements mark a milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and reflect the two nations' commitment to working together to build a prosperous and harmonious future.