HANOI/BEIJING: Vietnamese and Chinese officials are in preparations for a potential visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Hanoi in late October or early November. This visit comes on the heels of US President Joe Biden’s trip to the region in September, signaling the growing strategic importance of the Southeast Asian manufacturing hub.
The visit is expected to include the issuance of a joint statement, with discussions ongoing about the inclusion of the phrase “community of common destiny,” a term frequently used by Xi Jinping but viewed as contentious by some. While Vietnamese officials are cautious about its inclusion, the statement is likely to feature it.
The visit and the joint statement could indicate an elevation in bilateral ties, though the specifics remain unclear. The visit has not been officially announced and could still be subject to changes, but logistical preparations, including accommodations, have been explored.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit Hanoi in mid-October to help finalize the joint statement.
Vietnam plays an increasingly important role for both China and the US, particularly in global supply chains, making it a key player in the geopolitical competition between the two superpowers.
