Differences to be focus for China, Vietnam

Wang says maritime issues will be among topics of discussion

China is ready to work with Vietnam to effectively tackle and manage their differences and explore joint development, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang made the remark when meeting with Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, during an official visit to Vietnam on Sunday and Monday.

Trong said the two sides should properly handle maritime issues through friendly consultation in the spirit of comrades and brothers.

As a transitional measure, Hanoi and Beijing could discuss conducting joint developments to champion maritime peace and stability, Trong said.

Wang said the two sides should consistently reinforce the fundamental role of reciprocal public goodwill that supports the two nations’ ties and make sure the relationship always develops on the right track.

The visit was made at a time trade between China and Vietnam exceeded $100 billion last year, and more than 10 million trips were made between the two countries last year.

During the Sunday talks between Wang and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, China and Vietnam agreed that properly handling maritime issues is of huge importance to the bilateral ties’ smooth and healthy development.

Both sides also agreed to embark on maritime cooperation, including exploring feasible ways of joint development, Wang said at a joint news conference with Minh later on Sunday.

The two countries should act on the regulations mapped out by the agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of maritime issues existing between the two countries, Wang said.

They should stay true to managing differences through consultations and refrain from taking unilateral actions that might complicate and escalate the situation, Wang added.

Wang called on the two sides to seize the rare opportunities brought about by the reform and development of the two countries, which have now entered a new era, and upgrade the scale and quality of bilateral practical cooperation.

During his talk with Wang, Minh said maintaining and strengthening the traditional friendship between Vietnam and China is in the interests of both countries, which also contributes to regional peace and stability.

Both countries should promote integration of the Belt and Road Initiative with the “Two Corridors and One Economic Circle” plan, push forward cooperation in various fields, and properly handle maritime issues, Minh added.