Background: China, Vietnam relationship

Source: CCTV.com | 05-30-2008 20:44

Chinese and Vietnamese leaders say bilateral relations have developed steadily in recent years, with many visits from both sides.

China and Vietnam normalized relations in 1991. Since then, exchanges and cooperation between the two have been developing significantly.

In August 2006, Vietnamese communist party leader Nong Duc Manh visited China. During talks with the Chinese Communist Party leader Hu Jintao, the two agreed to further boost trade, properly handle border issues and enhance security cooperation.

In November 2006, President Hu Jintao paid a state visit to Vietnam.

In May 2007, Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet visited China, further strengthening ties between the two countries.

Civil air routes, as well as shipping lines, roads and railways have been opened, boosting the flow of passengers and cargo between the two countries.

The total volume of Sino-Vietnamese trade reached over 15 billion US dollars in 2007. China is one of Vietnam's largest trading partners. And in 2007, China's exports to the country reached 12 billion US dollars with imports from Vietnam reaching 3.2 billion US dollars.

And in the areas of culture and sports...Students, trainees and sports delegations from Vietnam come to China to study and train every year. And Chinese experts and coaches also regularly go to Vietnam.

Editor:Xiong Qu