Vietnam's To Lam plans China visit next week after winning presidency, sources say
Why it matters: This visit could lead to new agreements on telecom and security, impacting Vietnam's 5G network and energy imports from China.
- Vietnam's To Lam plans a visit to China next week to meet Xi Jinping, according to three sources briefed on the plans.
- The trip, scheduled for April 14-17, would be Lam's first overseas trip since becoming state president, giving him a powerful double mandate similar to Xi's, as noted by two sources.
- China's foreign ministry stated it had no information regarding the possible trip, while Vietnam's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment.
- Both nations are concerned about energy security and face tariff pressure from the United States, making this visit crucial for cementing ties.
- Discussions are expected to include potential agreements on telecom infrastructure, security cooperation (including Chinese surveillance tools), and Vietnam's energy security, as Hanoi depends on oil products and fertilizers from China and recently urged cooperation on energy security due to jet fuel rationing plans.
Newly elected Vietnamese President To Lam is reportedly planning a visit to China next week to meet President Xi Jinping, a trip that would solidify ties between the two communist neighbors amid shared concerns over energy security and U.S. tariff pressures. This visit, potentially Lam's first overseas trip as president, underscores a growing closeness despite historical South China Sea disputes, with discussions expected to cover sensitive areas like telecom infrastructure, security cooperation, and energy imports.
