China signs declaration with Vietnam to deepen ties

China and Vietnam issued a joint declaration on Monday as Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his state visit to Vietnam.

The two countries agreed to deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperation under new circumstances, according to the joint declaration.

Both sides agreed to fully implement the Declaration on the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea, and work together to reach an agreement on the Code of Conduct. They will manage maritime disputes, avoid actions that will complicate the situation and worsen disagreements, according to the document.

“The two sides are willing to join hands and work together, secure the development direction of Sino-Vietnamese relations, boost political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and handle disputes in a proper manner,” reads the joint declaration.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, agreed to carry forward, preserve and promote the traditional friendship between China and Vietnam.

Before flying to Hanoi, Xi had just concluded a two-day stay in Da Nang, where he attended the 25th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting.