Speaking at the Vietnam-China Forum on Higher Education, Science and Technology and Innovation Cooperation at Tsinghua University in Beijing, To Lam emphasized the importance of deepening collaboration in knowledge, technology and future-oriented capabilities, according to VNA.
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Party General Secretary and President To Lam speaks at Tsinghua University in China on April 14, 2026. Photo by VNA |
In his policy address to faculty and students, To Lam said Vietnam considers relations with China “an objective requirement, a strategic choice, and a top priority” in its foreign policy.
He highlighted long-standing ties between the two countries, noting shared cultural foundations and extensive historical engagement. Educational exchanges have also expanded, with around 25,000 Vietnamese students currently studying in China.
The Vietnamese leader underscored the role of people-to-people exchanges in sustaining bilateral relations, particularly among younger generations.
“Along with high-level delegation exchanges and cooperation between ministries, sectors, and localities, we need to pay more attention to people-to-people exchanges, youth exchanges, academic exchanges, cultural exchanges, educational exchanges, and tourism exchanges so that every citizen and every young person of both countries feels responsible for preserving and enriching the friendship,” he said.
To Lam called for more substantive cooperation, particularly in infrastructure and economic connectivity, including transport links, logistics and supply chains between the two countries.
“I hope both sides will continue to promote strategic infrastructure connectivity, especially railway, road, border crossing, and logistics connections; strengthen connectivity between the two economies, between supply chains, between localities, border regions, and growth poles of both countries,” he said.
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Party General Secretary and President To Lam (front, C) tours Tsinghua University in China on April 14, 2026. Photo by VNA |
The Vietnamese leader identified science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as emerging pillars of bilateral cooperation, aligning with Vietnam’s development strategy toward 2030 and 2045.
“We attach particular importance to cooperation with China in areas where the two sides can complement each other and develop together, especially artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, semiconductors, automation, robotics, green technology, biotechnology, new materials, clean energy, and other strategic technologies,” he said.
To support these priorities, To Lam stressed the need to develop high-quality human resources, calling for expanded academic cooperation, joint research and training programs between Vietnamese and Chinese institutions.
He expressed hope that Tsinghua University, which is ranked among the top institutions in China and one of best globally for AI and computer science education, would strengthen partnerships with Vietnamese universities through student exchanges, joint laboratories and collaborative research initiatives.
The Vietnamese leader, who is in China for a four-day state visit starting Tuesday, also encouraged greater collaboration among young people in both countries in areas such as innovation, entrepreneurship and addressing development challenges, including healthcare, energy, environment and the digital economy.
At the same time, he noted the importance of maintaining a stable environment and managing differences constructively.
“The value of good neighborly relations lies not only in developing together when conditions are favorable, but also in the ability to jointly and appropriately handle remaining differences with a constructive spirit, mutual respect, and responsibility for the future,” he said.



















