Border exchanges foster Vietnam-China friendship

Consul General of Vietnam in Nanning Nguyen Thi Huong. (Source: Consulate General of Vietnam in Nanning)

Lively exchange

In particular, the border cooperation between Guangxi, China and the northern localities of Vietnam such as Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang and Tuyen Quang (formerly Ha Giang ) is of utmost importance. Guangxi is a bordering locality with a long-standing, close and connected cooperative relationship with the border provinces of Vietnam.

In recent years, people-to-people exchange activities between the two sides have been strongly promoted through many forms: Twinning villages on both sides of the border, organizing traditional festivals, cultural and artistic exchanges, sports , cooperation between organizations such as youth, women, the elderly, etc.

People-to-people exchanges not only help people on both sides better understand each other’s culture, customs and social life, but also contribute to resolving differences and preventing the risk of conflicts and contradictions. This can be considered an effective friendly “soft diplomacy ” channel, creating a favorable social foundation for implementing economic cooperation policies, security and sustainable development of border areas, in accordance with the views, laws and policies of both sides as well as the aspirations of the people on both sides of the border.

Ceremony to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations in Nanning city, Guangxi, January 17. (Source: Vietnam Consulate General in Nanning)

People-to-people exchanges between the two sides of the border have been formed and developed for a long time in history, forming markets and rest stops to serve diplomatic relations, diplomatic missions, and travel between governments as well as for people on both sides of the border to travel back and forth, exchange goods, make friends, and visit. Many border gates, pairs of markets, and traditional historical border openings between the two sides still exist and develop to this day.

The highlight of people-to-people exchange and the most intimate friendship is President Ho Chi Minh's years of revolutionary activities in China. In addition to his great sacrifices and contributions to the glorious revolutionary cause of the Party and the Vietnamese people, there are also his great contributions to building and fostering the solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and China in general and the localities on both sides of the border in particular.

The Vietnam-China Youth Song performed by artists from the Vietnam Military University of Culture and Arts and Guangxi Academy of Arts, China at the program "Vietnam-China Friendship Songs 2025" in Hanoi, July 2025. .

Diversity in cooperation

In addition, activities such as the ASEAN-China Expo (CAEXPO), the Vietnam-China People’s Friendship Exchange Conference in the border areas, the border cooperation forum, etc. are opportunities for people, businesses, and social organizations on both sides to exchange and cooperate practically and effectively. Cooperation in the field of culture and education has also achieved many positive results in people-to-people exchanges between the two sides.

Every year, universities in Guangxi receive thousands of Vietnamese students to study and research. Guangxi annually grants more than 100 scholarships to Vietnamese localities to send students to study and research, and in return, Vietnamese localities also grant scholarships to Guangxi students to study in Vietnam. Schools on both sides of the border organize student and lecturer exchanges; and artistic, linguistic and cultural exchanges between students of the two countries.

In addition, mass exchanges between localities on both sides of the border are also regularly organized. Youth, women's and veteran organizations regularly organize visits, exchanges and share experiences in community development, building cultural life, and issues of mutual interest such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, etc.

In particular, 2025 is the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the year of Vietnam-China humanities exchange. In addition to people-to-people exchange activities in border areas, many people-to-people exchange activities between the two countries are selected to be held in Guangxi. This is an extremely favorable condition to further strengthen the friendly cooperative relationship between Guangxi and localities of Vietnam.

In that continuous flow, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Nanning has been playing an important role in promoting people-to-people exchanges between the border localities of the two countries. With the motto of diplomacy serving development, focusing on people and businesses, the Consulate General not only supports the effective implementation of official diplomatic activities, but also actively coordinates and organizes many cultural, educational, social exchange programs... contributing to deepening the friendship between the people of the two countries.

The 2024 China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) will see a record number of 3,000 participating enterprises on an area of 200,000 square meters. (Source: Xinhua)

Specific action

In recent times, the Consulate General has hosted and participated in many typical events such as border exchanges, tourism fairs, village twinning ceremonies, student exchange programs, cultural education cooperation seminars, supporting businesses to participate in fairs, etc. In particular, every year the Consulate General coordinates with the authorities of both sides to promote the organization of visits, work, and field surveys for delegations, creating conditions to promote cooperation from the grassroots level.

Speaking at forums, the Vietnamese Consulate General in Nanning always emphasized that people-to-people exchange is a solid foundation for the friendly relations between the two countries and peoples. Increasing understanding, sharing and connection between the people of the two sides not only helps strengthen feelings, but also creates momentum for economic and trade cooperation, stable and sustainable development in the border area.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc and delegates inaugurated the Vietnam Trade Pavilion at CAEXPO 2024, September 2024. (Source: Ministry of Industry and Trade)

To enhance the effectiveness of people-to-people exchanges at the border, we need to develop a master plan and an annual roadmap linked to the Vietnam-China relationship and cooperation between localities, thereby preserving friendly neighborly relations, ensuring a peaceful, stable and cooperative border for development. Commitments and common perceptions at the local level need to be effectively implemented, in parallel with investment in infrastructure at border areas, border gates and perfecting policies and legal frameworks for businesses and border residents.

The two sides can study the construction of cultural points or stations in residential areas, promote identity, culture, cuisine, and at the same time innovate forms of exchange to attract a large number of people to participate, harmoniously combining humanitarian and commercial activities. Along with that, we need to step up propaganda and dissemination of laws, especially the three legal documents on the Vietnam-China land border and the commitments and agreements reached at forums and high-level visits, creating a solid foundation for practical implementation.

Inheriting the tradition of friendly cooperation and solidarity between Guangxi, China and the border localities of Vietnam that was cultivated by President Ho Chi Minh and generations of revolutionary predecessors, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Nanning will continue to make efforts to further promote comprehensive cooperation in all fields, raise awareness among the people of the two countries to jointly foster the Vietnam-China friendship in general, and the relationship between Guangxi and the border localities of Vietnam in particular, bringing practical benefits to the local people of both sides.

Overview of the Opening Ceremony of the Research and Study Camp 'Following in Uncle Ho's Footsteps' in Guangxi, China. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in China)