China and Vietnam signed 14 agreements on Monday, covering areas such as cross-border railways and crocodile exports, following a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vietnam’s new leader, To Lam, in Beijing. This visit, Lam’s first international trip since his recent appointment as party chief, reflects a mutual interest in deepening ties between the two communist nations, despite ongoing tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Lam emphasised that bilateral relations are a “top priority in Vietnam’s external policy,” characterising his visit to China as a clear affirmation of the Party and the Vietnamese government’s commitment to valuing their relationship with Beijing. Among the signed agreements, the two nations focused on planning and feasibility studies for standardised railway routes, marking a significant step forward in upgrading cross-border rail links. This development builds on preliminary agreements made during President Xi’s state visit to Hanoi last December.

In December, both countries committed to enhancing cross-border railway connectivity, highlighting three key projects, including one that would connect Vietnam’s mountainous Lao Cai in the northwest to the port city of Haiphong, and another potential link between China’s Shenzhen and Haiphong. Vietnamese officials had previously indicated that rail links would be a priority during the leaders’ discussions.

Currently, the two nations are connected by two railways running from southern China to Vietnam’s northern industrial hub and capital, Hanoi. However, these railways, built during the French colonial era, differ in gauge from China’s high-speed rail, requiring passengers and goods to transfer to different trains at the border.

Upgrading Vietnam’s rail infrastructure could significantly enhance trade and investment, especially as a growing number of Chinese manufacturers shift export-oriented operations to Vietnam in response to ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States.

Additional agreements included cooperation between central banks, media partnerships, and protocols for the quarantine and inspection of coconuts, crocodiles, and durians. Following the signing ceremony, Xi and Lam engaged in further discussions on key issues of mutual interest, which Chinese state media Xinhua described as taking place in a “cordial and friendly atmosphere” over tea.

Image source: The Daily Guardian