The main essence of the Zhao-To Lam meeting is discussion of the development of the “China-Vietnam community with a shared future”.
Jakarta, IO – A key diplomatic event in Southeast Asian politics occurred on August 19, 2024 wherein Chinese legislator and Chairman of NPC Standing Committee Zhao Leji crossed paths with To Lam, Vietnamese President and General Secretary of the CPCCC, in Beijing.
This top-level meeting signified a strategic effort by both countries to boost bilateral relations and lay a path for other cooperative strategic visions for both nations. These implications evoke power dynamics for regional stability, economic integration and geopolitical shifts for the world, as it observes this heightened partnership.
The main essence of the Zhao-To Lam meeting was discussion of the development of the “China-Vietnam community with a shared future”. This vision is not just a diplomatic slogan: it is the goal of the union of two partners with similar positions, which can change the geography of regional relationships. Thus, while boosting relations with Vietnam was a far-sighted policy for China, it was not only about the bilateral China-Vietnam relationship; it was about strengthening China’s strategic position in Southeast Asia, a region which has emerged as crucial in power dynamics on the global stage.
On the one hand, the largely-growing economy and the position of the country, and on the other hand, the important sea lines of communications make Vietnam both an economic incentive and a geo-political pressure point for China. Thus, by creating a sense of a common goal, and by building a shared vision, China aims at fixing Vietnam more firmly into its overall regional agenda, which comprises such projects as the BRI. For Vietnam this partnership is a way to use China’s economic potential for its own benefit, while at the same time keeping a degree of balance in a region that is increasingly dominated by powerful forces from outside.
One of the highlighted aspects of the meeting was the issue of legislative coordination. It is equally important to acknowledge the efforts of Zhao Leji in contributing to exchanges between the NPC and the National Assembly of Vietnam, where legislative power acts as an important instrument in diplomatic relations. It thus underscores a noteworthy facet of interstate relations, that is simultaneously essential yet often neglected – legislative diplomacy.
Parliamentary cooperation can turn strategic partnerships into policies, making sure that the commitments are reflected in legal provisions. For China and Vietnam this implies not only building up the bilateral relationship, but also making certain that agreements reached are complied with to the letter. This means by cementing legislative relations, both countries can improve their capacity to deal with the challenges that face their societies, including national development, economic growth and regional security, among other factors.
Firstly, an observant eye can analyze the economic consequences of the China-Vietnam partnership. Vietnam, as a member of China’s BRI, can benefit from more infrastructure, trade and connectivity. This economic integration is consistent with the Chinese strategy of using economic power to expand influence, an advantage that Vietnam gains from the integration process essential infrastructure and investments.
However, it also faces certain difficulties: the economic relationship must be aligned with Vietnam’s demand to control its foreign affairs, to protect its independence and sovereignty in dealing with other world superpowers, such as the United States and India. The South China Sea issue continues with complexity, because both countries have to balance claims over these waters, even as they seek cooperation in economic and strategic arenas.
Additionally, the bolstered China-Vietnam relationship exists at a time of intensifying great power rivalry in Southeast Asia. The situation becomes even more complex when one takes into consideration such factors as the presence of the Americans and their partners, etc. For China and Vietnam, the challenge will lie in how they coordinate their bilateral relations, as they respond to these pressures.
China is now seen to be flexing its muscles in Southeast Asia, while the United States and its partners observe China’s influence with a sense of apprehension. On the one hand, Vietnam enjoys the advantage of China’s power; on the other, it should seek its counterbalance such influence with other powers, not becoming too dependent on any specific country. Geopolitical pressure relations between the two nations will define the success of this partnership, apart from the coherence of the strategy.
Furthermore, the history of China-Vietnam relations stands as a background to their diplomatic exercise at present. It is worth also noting that the two countries have long-standing relationships, both strained and friendly, dating back to colonial times. They do however have a history together, which can be seen as both a conflict of interest and a reinforcement in their current partnership.
Moreover, Partnership resilience of the two countries can be successfully fostered by better comprehension and utilization of their history. Both China and Vietnam must take time to further enhance their relations by focusing more on settlement of past grievances and moving forward towards new objectives that will reflect on true cooperation. It can help improve the effectiveness of its strategic plans and interventions, and help create a more stable and productive climate in the area.
Read: BRICS and the obstacles faced by a Global South
The recent meeting between Zhao Leji and to Lam is a step toward promoting a strong and strategic relationship between China and Vietnam. This will continue to shape the “community with a shared future” that is formed, based on their vision of stability, growth, and power in the region. Through it, they will strive to achieve their strategic objectives and address factors influencing international relations, to nurture and advance their partnership in establishing successful cooperation among nations.
Thus, economic interaction, legal politics, and international relations stand out as cornerstones of contemporary diplomacy, and China-Vietnam relations capture all these aspects of diplomacy. Concerns in the international community will focus on their prowess to leverage on strategic accords, moving toward concrete outcomes. Looking at the future, Sino-Vietnam relations will not only determine the future of both countries, but also the future of the region and the entire world.
Aisha Noor is a Research Assistant at The Institute of Peace & diplomacy Islamabad, Pakistan. She holds a bachelor in International Relations from University of Sindh, Jamshoro.