On Thursday, Hu Zhaoming, spokesperson for the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, announced: At the invitation of Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of China, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President To Lam will pay a state visit to China from April 14 to 17.
To Lam, who was re-elected as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam in January this year, was just elected as President of Vietnam on Tuesday, making him the most powerful leader in Vietnam in decades. This visit to China is likely to be his first foreign trip since his election as State President. Reports point out that as both Vietnam and China face concerns over energy security and pressure from US tariffs, this visit will consolidate relations between Vietnam and China.
It is reported that Hanoi may seek more assistance from Beijing regarding energy security. Vietnam relies on imports of petroleum products such as aviation fuel and fertilizer from China. However, due to the tense oil supply situation caused by conflicts in the Middle East, China has restricted exports of related products.
After first assuming the position of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam in August 2024, To Lam’s first overseas trip was also to China. Multiple officials revealed that after being re-elected as General Secretary in January this year, To Lam originally planned to meet with Xi Jinping, but the meeting was postponed for unknown reasons.