Vietnam's Top Leader To Lam's Visit: Strengthening Ties With China Amidst South China Sea Tensions

Vietnam's top leader, To Lam, will visit China from Sunday to August 20, reinforcing close ties between the two communist nations. This is Lam's first foreign visit since his appointment. The visit addresses economic relations, South China Sea disputes, and follows an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Vietnam's top leader, To Lam, will embark on his first official visit to China from Sunday until August 20, as reported by Vietnamese government and Chinese state media. This visit aims to strengthen the close ties between the Communist-led neighbors.

On his inaugural foreign trip since being appointed general secretary of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party this month, To Lam is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other high-ranking officials. Although the two nations share strong economic and trade links, occasional disputes over boundaries in the energy-rich South China Sea remain a point of contention.

The visit, following an invitation from Xi Jinping and his wife, underscores the growing economic relationship between the countries. According to Vietnamese customs data, trade between the two nations rose by 25% in the first seven months of this year, totaling $112 billion.

(With inputs from agencies.)