President Xi Jinping called on Wednesday for China and Vietnam to work together to oppose unilateralism and protectionism, safeguard the global free trade system and keep industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, while further cementing their ties through enhanced cooperation.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when holding talks with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

To Lam is on a four-day state visit to China that started on Tuesday, his first trip abroad since he was elected as Vietnamese president on April 7. Before the official talks, Xi held a grand welcoming ceremony for him.

Xi told his guest that no matter how the international situation evolves, China always regards Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy.

He said that the nation is willing to work with Vietnam to carry forward the traditional friendship, enhance solidarity, coordination and mutual support to advance their comprehensive strategic cooperation with higher quality, and accelerate the building of a higher-level China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

The visit takes place just one year after Xi made a state visit to Vietnam, during which he reached an important consensus with leaders of Vietnam on developing relations between the two parties and two countries.

During their meeting on Wednesday, Xi told To Lam that safeguarding the socialist system and the ruling position of the communist party is the greatest common strategic interest of both parties. Both sides must maintain a high level of strategic vigilance and strong strategic resolve, and always remain confident in the path and system they adopt, he said.

He called on both sides to fully utilize the special role of interparty exchanges to maintain close high-level interactions and consolidate political mutual trust. It is essential to prioritize efforts in safeguarding political security and effectively use the China-Vietnam "3+3" strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defense and public security, he added.

Xi underscored the need for both countries to step up the alignment of their development strategies, with priority given to advancing infrastructure connectivity. Cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and the internet of things should be strengthened, he said, adding that China welcomes more high-quality Vietnamese products to enter the Chinese market.

Xi emphasized that both sides should hold high the banner of peace, development and win-win cooperation, and join hands to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, to cope with global challenges.

Noting that this year marks the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, he expressed China's willingness to strengthen coordination and cooperation with countries in the region to promote the building of a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

To Lam's visit comes as China-Vietnam relations continue to develop positively, with expanding cooperation across multiple areas. Bilateral trade reached a record high of more than $290 billion in 2025. China remains Vietnam's largest trading partner, while Vietnam has maintained its position as China's largest trading partner in ASEAN.

To Lam told Xi that Vietnam views the development of its relations with China as "an objective requirement, a strategic choice and a top priority".

Vietnam will continue to support the one-China policy, and is willing to strengthen strategic communication and high-level strategic coordination with China, elevate the level of cooperation in trade, investment, railway infrastructure and tourism, and better manage the land border and maintain peace in the South China Sea, he said.

Both leaders witnessed the signing of an array of cooperation documents in various fields, including party-to-party exchanges, public security, judicial matters, economy, industrial and supply chain cooperation, customs, and science and technology.

To Lam will depart Beijing for the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Thursday to continue his visit in China.

In a farewell speech to To Lam and his wife, Ngo Phuong Ly, in Beijing on Wednesday afternoon, Xi said that China is ready to work with Vietnam to guide the building of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future onto the fast track of development.

caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn