Vietnam-China friendship nurtured through youth cooperation

On the morning of March 20, at the Vietnam-China Friendship Palace in Hanoi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations hosted a meeting with Vietnamese and Chinese students from various periods.

General Secretary To Lam, speaking at the event, expressed his profound emotion upon hearing touching stories from both Vietnamese and Chinese alumni, reflecting on their time studying and working in each other’s countries.

He emphasized the importance of the younger generation in carrying forward the legacy of friendship and fostering a bright future for bilateral relations.

A legacy of long-standing friendship

The meeting marked a significant milestone in the celebrations of the "Vietnam-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2025," declared during General Secretary To Lam's visit to China in August 2024. The initiative coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Reflecting on the historic ties, General Secretary To Lam noted that Vietnam and China are neighboring countries with a "shared mountain and river" relationship, built on deep-rooted friendship and solidarity.

He remarked that China was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam, and Vietnam was the first Southeast Asian country to do the same with China. Throughout their revolutionary paths, both countries have provided each other with invaluable support.

General Secretary To Lam expressed his gratitude for the hospitality extended to Vietnamese students and officials studying in China, particularly in Nanning and Guilin, Guangxi Province.

Thanks to these favorable environments, many Vietnamese intellectuals grew into prominent leaders, experts, military officers, and renowned artists, contributing significantly to Vietnam’s development and the friendship between the two nations.

Youth as the bridge to a promising future

Highlighting the indispensable role of youth, General Secretary To Lam stressed that the relationship between the two countries continues to grow thanks to the commitment and collaboration of the younger generation.

He quoted President Ho Chi Minh, saying, "Spring marks the beginning of a year, and youth marks the beginning of a life," emphasizing that youth represent the "spring" of society.

He also recalled a famous Chinese saying, "The relationship between nations is built on the closeness of their people, and the closeness of people is rooted in shared aspirations."

Mr. To Lam pointed out that the enduring friendship between the two peoples is continuously nurtured by the younger generations.

Currently, there are nearly 24,000 Vietnamese students studying in China, double the number from five years ago, while over 2,000 Chinese students are pursuing their education in Vietnam.

The two countries have also established numerous youth exchange programs to enhance cultural understanding and cooperation.

Enhancing bilateral cooperation through youth engagement

General Secretary To Lam urged young people from both nations to deepen their knowledge of the historical and strategic relationship between the two countries.

He emphasized that the younger generation must continue to advance Vietnam-China cooperation, striving to master scientific and technological knowledge while embracing cultural and educational exchanges.

He encouraged Vietnamese students in China to take full advantage of their learning opportunities, absorbing the essence of Chinese civilization and modern achievements in science and technology.

At the same time, he welcomed more Chinese youth to study and experience Vietnamese culture, language, and business opportunities.

The General Secretary also urged youth organizations in both countries to promote practical and effective exchanges, especially during the "Vietnam-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2025."

He called on educational institutions and relevant authorities to deepen cultural, educational, and research cooperation, leveraging historical landmarks in both countries to foster deeper connections.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei affirmed that the Vietnam-China relationship continues to grow steadily, marked by increased political trust and cooperation across various fields, including defense, security, trade, investment, and tourism.

He expressed his hope that the youth of both countries will remain at the forefront of building a prosperous and enduring friendship, nurturing the "young saplings of Vietnam-China friendship into a flourishing forest."

Tran Thuong