Vietnam's New Leader To Lam Embarks on Strategic China Visit

Vietnamese leader To Lam began his first overseas trip to China since assuming office two weeks ago. He arrived in Guangzhou, toured historical sites, and is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lam is expected to follow his predecessor's diplomatic strategy, balancing relations with China, the U.S., and Russia.

Vietnamese leader To Lam commenced a three-day visit to China on Sunday, marking his first overseas trip since assuming the highest office in Vietnam two weeks ago.

Lam arrived in Guangzhou, a significant industrial and export hub near Hong Kong, as reported by Chinese state media. His itinerary includes visits to sites in the southern Chinese city linked to former Vietnamese communist leader Ho Chi Minh, according to the state-owned Global Times.

During his visit, Lam is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other high-ranking officials.

Lam was appointed as general secretary of Vietnam's Communist Party on August 3 and has held the mainly ceremonial role of the nation's president since May. He succeeded Nguyen Phu Trong, who passed away on July 19 after serving 13 years as general secretary.

The new leader is anticipated to continue his predecessor's strategy of balancing relations with China, the United States, and Russia. Yu Xiangdong, director of the Institute for Vietnam Studies at China's Zhengzhou University, stated in the Global Times that Lam's choice of China as his first overseas visit signifies the importance Vietnam places on its relations with China. However, Lam is not expected to neglect relations with the U.S.

Although Vietnam and China share long-standing ties as one-party communist states, they have had disputes over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Recently, a Vietnamese coast guard ship participated in joint drills in the Philippines, further complicating the relationship. Despite past conflicts, such as China's brief invasion of northern Vietnam in 1979, Vietnam has economically benefited from Chinese investments that aim to circumvent U.S. export restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies.)