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"Chinese and Vietnamese media should actively explore and disseminate stories of China-Vietnam friendship across different historical periods, highlighting this relationship to help future generations better understand this special bond."

This is the proposal of Lei Xiaohua, Researcher and Deputy Director of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies at the Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences, in an interview with a Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondent in China regarding promoting people-to-people exchanges, strengthening mutual understanding, and fostering friendship between the two nations on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic relations and the "China-Vietnam People-to-People Exchange Year."

Lei Xiaohua, Researcher and Deputy Director of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies at the Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences (China). Photo: VNA

A specific example mentioned by Lei Xiaohua is the documentary Along the Nam Khe River 2, which was broadcast in both Vietnam and China on January 18-19. The film was jointly produced by Wuzhou Media Center and Guangxi Radio and Television (China) in collaboration with the Vietnam People's Army Radio and Television Center.

Through heartfelt narratives from those who personally experienced the events, the documentary recreates the history of Nam Khe Son Hospital, a Chinese medical facility that supported Vietnam during the war against foreign invaders. The film profoundly reflects the deep friendship forged in battle between the two nations while also exploring how China and Vietnam continue to maintain and develop cooperation in the field of healthcare.

According to Lei Xiaohua, Guangxi - an autonomous region bordering Vietnam, has witnessed and promoted the traditional friendship between China and Vietnam. It is also home to significant stories of bilateral friendship. On December 13, 2023, during a speech in Hanoi at a meeting with representatives of Chinese and Vietnamese youth and friendship organizations, Chinese President Xi Jinping specifically mentioned President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary activities in Guangxi, highlighting the close relationship between Ho Chi Minh, Guangxi, and its people since the 1920s.

To this day, Guangxi has preserved revolutionary sites where talents were trained, wounded soldiers were treated, and supplies were transported to Vietnam, such as the Duc Tai School in Nanning, Nam Khe Son Hospital in Guilin, and the Ho Chi Minh Trail at sea. These serve as vivid examples of the "comrades-plus-brothers" friendship between the two Parties and nations. Entering a new era, China and Vietnam will continue to deepen and enhance their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, jointly building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance in the modern age.

Lei Xiaohua suggested that media agencies from both countries should conduct joint interviews and co-produce content, including news reports, documentaries, and new media productions, focusing on the theme of the 75th anniversary of China-Vietnam diplomatic relations and the "China-Vietnam People-to-People Exchange Year." This would help narrate the story of traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two Parties and nations. Additionally, research institutions from both countries could compile special publications to preserve cultural values, such as Guangxi’s Narratives on China-Vietnam Friendship and President Ho Chi Minh and China-Vietnam Friendship, supporting cultural exchange and deepening mutual understanding.

According to the expert, China and Vietnam share mountains, rivers, and similar customs and cultures. The China-Vietnam border region should regularly organize activities such as cross-border community exchanges, friendly football matches, and tourism festivals to further strengthen the friendship between the two peoples.

Both China and Vietnam possess rich and diverse tourism resources. Famous destinations like Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and Guilin in China attract large numbers of visitors from both countries. In October 2024, the China-Vietnam Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation Zone at Detian Waterfall (China) – Ban Gioc Waterfall (Vietnam) officially commenced operations.

Lei Xiaohua emphasized the need for both countries to enhance cross-border tourism cooperation, actively promote supportive policies, facilitate tourist exchanges, and develop new tourism models, including self-driving tourism between the two nations, encouraging travelers to explore both sides.

Notably, Lei Xiaohua stressed that youth represent the future and hope of both nations. Therefore, moving forward, both sides should create more forums and opportunities for young people to interact and showcase their talents. They should also organize experiential activities, interactive exchanges, and dialogues tailored to the interests of young people, fostering the inheritance of China-Vietnam friendship among the younger generations in the new era.

Programs such as Following in Ho Chi Minh’s Footsteps serve as prime examples, where Vietnamese youth retrace President Ho Chi Minh’s journey in Guangxi, inviting both Chinese and Vietnamese youth to visit the places he stayed, allowing them to deeply understand the historical roots of the enduring China-Vietnam relationship as "good neighbors, good friends, good comrades, and good partners."

Additionally, both sides could organize other activities, such as the China-Vietnam Border Youth Development Seminar, the Vietnam Youth Leadership Training Course, or delegations of Vietnamese entrepreneurs to visit and conduct field studies in Guangxi. These activities would create opportunities for exchanges, learning, and strengthening bilateral ties. Furthermore, leveraging social media platforms to engage young people in discussions on topics such as science and technology, environmental protection, and culture would foster deeper mutual understanding and strengthen this special friendship.

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