Young People - Source of Vitality and Bright Future for Vietnam - China Relations

The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted the "Engage with Vietnamese and Chinese students across generations" at the Vietnam - China Friendship Palace (Hanoi), on March 20. The event celebrates the 75th anniversary of Vietnam - China diplomatic relations and the Vietnam - China Humanistic Exchange Year 2025. General Secretary To Lam attended and delivered a speech.
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Present at the event were leaders and former leaders of the Party and State, representatives from various departments, ministries, sectors, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, and the Vietnam-China Friendship Association. The event also welcomed the Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam, staff from the Embassy of China, distinguished Chinese friendship representatives, Chinese enterprises operating in Vietnam, and over 800 overseas Vietnamese and Chinese students.

Young People - Source of Vitality and Bright Future for Vietnam - China Relations
General Secretary To Lam delivered a speech at the "Engage with Vietnamese and Chinese students across generations". (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

In his remark, General Secretary To Lam spoke highly of the event's significance, emphasizing that it provides opportunities to talk about the Vietnam-China friendship, especially conveying the message about the role and determination of the two countries' students through the periods in promoting the vision for the new era of development of each Party, each country and the relationship between the two brotherly peoples.

Reflecting on the historic revolutionary journey between the two nations, General Secretary To Lam expressed his gratitude, pride and respect for the great contributions of generations of leaders of the two Parties and the two countries, specifically President Ho Chi Minh and President Mao Zedong, who laid the foundation for the “close Vietnam-China relations, both comrades and brothers”, which has been diligently cultivated by generations of leaders of both sides. He emphasized that throughout the heroic revolutionary journey, the two Parties, countries and peoples have constantly given each other great, sincere and wholehearted support. The General Secretary expressed gratitude for China's reception and creation of optimal conditions for Vietnamese cadres and overseas students to study and research, from which many generations of Vietnamese intellectuals have matured and made important contributions to Vietnam's revolutionary cause and the two countries' friendship.

General Secretary To Lam highlighted that the stable and sustainable development of the relationship between the two Parties and countries is the earnest desire and fundamental interest of the two peoples, in line with the major trend of the times. He affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam consistently attach importance and give top priority to, and are determined to work with the Party and State of China to develop the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and build a Vietnam-China Community of Shared Future of strategic significance, for the happiness of the people of the two countries, for the cause of peace and progress of mankind.

Young People - Source of Vitality and Bright Future for Vietnam - China Relations
General Secretary To Lam and delegates take a group photo. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Expressing his delight at the role of youth as "young cultural ambassadors" and bridges fostering the friendship between the two countries, General Secretary To Lam highlighted the special attention that the young generation has always received from the leaders of the two Parties and nations. He emphasized their responsibility to inherit the tradition of friendship, injecting vitality and ensuring a bright future for the Vietnam-China relationship. It is a matter of fact that the sentiment between the peoples of the two nations is inspired and sustained by the youth, who serve as the core force in promoting the Vietnam-China relationship in a fruitful, effective, and sustainable manner.

Young People - Source of Vitality and Bright Future for Vietnam - China Relations
General Secretary To Lam delivered a speech at the "Engage with Vietnamese and Chinese students across generations". (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

"Firstly, the young generation of both nations must deepen their understanding of the historical depth, strategic importance, and remarkable significance of the relationship between the two Parties and the two countries. I fully resonate with Comrade Xi Jinping’s insightful remarks at the "Engage with Vietnamese and Chinese students across generations" in 2023: "The foundation of China-Vietnam friendship lies in the people, and its future lies in the youth." It is both an honor and a responsibility for the youth of our two socialist neighboring nations to uphold this legacy and elevate the relationship to even greater heights.

Secondly, the youth of both countries need to dedicate themselves to studying, practicing, and continually mastering science and technology. By making innovative and practical contributions to industrialization, modernization, and the development of new productive forces in each nation, they help reinforce the material foundation of the bilateral relationship. I request that Vietnamese students abroad fully embrace the valuable opportunity to study and research in China, absorb the essence of Chinese civilization, as well as socio-economic advancements and achievements in science and technology. We welcome more Chinese youth to come to Vietnam to study, learn about the Vietnamese language and culture, as well as seek investment, business, and development opportunities.

Thirdly, it is essential for agencies and organizations from both countries to continue to closely follow the high-level common awareness on strengthening and innovating the propaganda and education work for the young generation of the two countries about the traditional friendship between the two Parties and the two countries and the development achievements of each country, thereby enhancing the pride and confidence of the youth. The two countries' educational and training agencies need to work together to promote the good implementation of signed agreements, expand and promote more effective and practical forms of exchange and cooperation in culture, education, training and research."

General Secretary To Lam

In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei reflected on the significant milestones in the history of friendly relations between the two Parties and nations. He emphasized that during the struggle for national independence, the two countries always stood side by side, supported each other, and overcame hardships together.

Young People - Source of Vitality and Bright Future for Vietnam - China Relations
Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei delivered a speech at the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Ambassador He Wei expressed his satisfaction with the strong trajectory of bilateral relations in recent years, particularly following the agreement between the top leaders of both Parties and nations to elevate the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and build a Vietnam-China Community of Shared Future with strategic significance. He commended the remarkable achievements in foreign affairs, economic and trade cooperation, investment, culture, education, and humanities exchanges, as well as efforts to reinforce the social foundation between the two countries. The Ambassador shared his hope that the younger generation, including Vietnamese and Chinese students, will continue to inherit, safeguard, and promote the tradition of friendship—a cherished common asset of the two peoples.

Young People - Source of Vitality and Bright Future for Vietnam - China Relations
Delegates of intellectuals and Vietnamese-Chinese students from different periods joined the panel talk at the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

At the event, Nguyen Thien Nhan, former Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, former Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, and former student of the Vietnam school in Guangxi, said: “When I was 13 years old, my classmates from Nguyen Van Troi Military School and I were sent to study at Duc Tai Guilin School. At that time, Vietnam was poor and deprived. So was China. However, Chinese schools provided Vietnamese students with the best conditions within their capabilities.

I still vividly recall the meals at the Duc Tai kitchen. Chinese students would often dine from large shared bowls, with food served communally. In contrast, Vietnamese students sat at tables of 4-5 individuals, each with their own portion. My initial impression at the time was that China was wholeheartedly providing the best possible conditions for Vietnam.

The Nguyen Van Troi School operated for 5 years and 6 months, including 20 months in China. Students trained in this unique environment, regardless of their later professions, carried with them a lasting awareness of the Vietnam-China ties as a friendly neighbor relation. We understood our responsibility to nurture this friendship.

Never before has there been such a promising opportunity for comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and China as there is today. Our collaboration spans education, the economy, and numerous other fields. I am confident that, over the next 100 years, the relationship between our two nations will continue to thrive, growing even stronger and more vibrant."

Lu Mei Nian, former interpreter of the Vietnam September 2nd School in Guangxi, recalled: “At that time, Guilin was impoverished. People around the school wore patched clothes and ate basic meals. Despite this, Vietnamese students were given priority to have full meals. The Chinese side also sent more than 50 people, from teachers, and caterers to electricians, to support the school. As an interpreter, I listened to the students' feedback and passed it on to the Guilin Foreign Affairs Department. I always thought of them as family.

All my life I grew up in the friendship between Vietnam and China. I constantly reminded myself to find ways to give back for the kindness I had experienced. My wish is for future generations to cherish and continue this beautiful tradition,” said Lu Mei Nian.

Li Xiaoxian, Vice President of Guangxi Normal University, shared that the university hosts one of the largest groups of Vietnamese students in China. Its campuses in Nanning and Guilin, formerly Duc Tai schools, have welcomed over 10,000 Vietnamese students in the past. In response to the requirements of the new context and era, Guangxi Normal University is taking several steps to strengthen educational cooperation between China and Vietnam. These include working with Vietnamese universities to support language teaching, hosting events like the 'Chinese Bridge' competition, and providing Vietnamese students with a strong foundation for study and research. The university is also increasing overseas scholarships for Vietnamese students, attracting learners across different levels, and addressing varied educational needs. Notably, the university promotes the shared history of friendship between the two countries through initiatives such as the 'Following the Footsteps of Ho Chi Minh' program.

The university also plans to expand cooperation with major universities in Vietnam to train Chinese and Vietnamese and promote two-way student exchanges. Additionally, it plans to leverage modern technology to establish innovation centers, paving the way for deeper collaboration between both sides.

In a friendly atmosphere, delegates were moved to listen to the elders, Chinese friendship figures and students from both countries sharing, recalling profound memories and good feelings during their time studying and working in China and Vietnam; at the same time expressing trust and expectations for a bright future for the development of relations between the two Parties, two countries and two peoples.

The "Engage with Vietnamese and Chinese students across generations" program is a key event among a series of activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (January 18, 1950 - January 18, 2025) and "Vietnam - China Humanistic Exchange Year".

Young People - Source of Vitality and Bright Future for Vietnam - China Relations
General Secretary To Lam and delegates plant trees for the "Vietnam - China Humanistic Exchange" program. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Within the program's framework, General Secretary To Lam, together with leaders and former leaders of the Party and State, and the Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam, viewed the Photo Exhibition showcasing 75 years of Vietnam-China relations; and planted the "Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange" tree. General Secretary To Lam reflected on the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's act of planting the "Friendship" tree at the Huu Nghi border gate and emphasized the significance of the "Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange" tree planting event. He expressed hope that the people and young generations of the two countries would inherit and promote the tradition of friendship, and foster the continuous growth of Vietnam-China relations.

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