Vietnamese National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man underscored the significance of people-to-people exchanges in fortifying Vietnam-China relations during a meeting in Beijing on October 12. He met with a delegation of Chinese friendship representatives, led by Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, as part of his official visit to China.
Tran Thanh Man acknowledged the considerable development in bilateral ties between the two nations and advocated for deeper, more practical, and sustainable cooperation. He commended the role of friendship organizations in connecting various sectors, including communities, businesses, scholars, youth, and cultural groups from both countries. Additionally, he encouraged continued collaboration through initiatives like the Vietnam-China People’s Forum, the Border People’s Friendship Festival, and youth exchange programs.
The Vietnamese leader emphasized expanding cultural and tourism cooperation in anticipation of the 2026–2027 Vietnam-China Year of Tourism Cooperation. He called for increased exchanges between local communities, historical sites, and cultural destinations to yield tangible benefits for people in both countries. He also urged friendship organizations, researchers, and media representatives to disseminate accurate information and share positive narratives about bilateral cooperation, fostering a better understanding of the historical relationship between the two nations among younger generations.
Yang Wanming reaffirmed the commitment of the Chinese association to strengthening the social foundations of bilateral relations. He stated that the organization would continue to promote cultural exchanges, mutual understanding, and cooperation in alignment with the shared goals of the leadership of both countries.
Both parties highlighted the importance of preserving traditional friendship and expanding people-to-people engagement as a means of supporting stable and long-term Vietnam-China relations. Their discussions underscored the mutual desire to enhance the social and cultural ties that underpin the relationship between Vietnam and China.