Chinese president Xi calls for mutual trust with Vietnam

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for more mutual trust and cooperation with Vietnam in a speech to young people Friday on a visit intended to mend ties between the communist neighbors that have been strained by maritime disputes. Speaking on the last day of his two-day visit, Xi said stronger cooperation and trust would aid both countries. “The world and this region are undergoing profound and complex changes,” he said. “China and Vietnam are facing both opportunities and challenges.”

Both sides should strengthen friendship, mutual-trusts and cooperation so as to boost common development.

President Xi Jinping

Relations plummeted when China parked an oil rig in disputed waters last year and the two have since been trying to repair ties with high-level visits. China’s claims over most of the South China Sea and its massive land reclamation in building seven artificial islands in the Spratly islands have rattled the region. Xi, however, played down the concerns saying it will not seek to impose its influence all over the region. Trade volume between the countries reached $58 billion last year and is aiming for $100 billion by 2017.

It’s normal for neighbors to have rows, yet the two sides should always keep the overall interests of our relations in mind and properly control and manage our disputes through peaceful and friendly negotiation.

President Xi

Xi Vietnam Asia-Pacific