Tokyo, 13 September, /AJMEDIA/
China and Vietnam have confirmed that they should expand their relationship.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Communist Party leader General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong of Vietnam on Saturday during his visit to the Southeast Asian country.
China’s foreign ministry says that during the meeting, Wang described China-Vietnam relations as having particular strategic importance.
He added that in the face of a complex international situation, the two countries should deepen political trust and strengthen unity and cooperation.
Trong noted that no one can undermine the unity and cooperation between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo has held talks with Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang in Hanoi.
The two ministers agreed to uphold the existing international order based on the rule of law. They are believed to have China’s maritime activities in mind.
Kishi expressed serious concerns over China’s Coast Guard Law, which allows the use of weapons.
He stated strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by coercion.
The two countries signed an agreement to transfer defense equipment and technology.
The ministers confirmed that their countries will promote defense cooperation and consult with each other on the transfer of specific equipment, including vessels.
The meeting lasted more than 90 minutes.
Vietnam was also the destination of two senior US officials. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited in July and Vice President Kamala Harris was there in August.
