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| Consul General of Vietnam in Nanning Nguyen Thi Huong. (Source: Consulate General of Vietnam in Nanning) |
Vibrant Exchanges
In particular, cooperation in the border areas between Guangxi, China and northern localities of Vietnam such as Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, and Tuyen Quang (formerly Ha Giang) holds great significance. Guangxi, as a neighboring region, has maintained a long-standing, close, and cohesive relationship with Vietnam's border provinces.
In recent years, people-to-people exchanges between the two sides have been strongly promoted through various forms: twinning of border villages, organizing traditional festivals, cultural, artistic and sports exchanges, and cooperation among mass organizations such as youth, women, and the elderly.
People-to-people exchanges not only help citizens of both sides better understand each other's culture, customs, and social life, but also contribute to resolving differences, preventing risks of conflict and disputes. This can be considered an effective and friendly form of "soft diplomacy", creating a favorable social foundation for implementing policies on economic cooperation, security, and sustainable border development, in line with the perspectives, laws, and policies of both sides, as well as the aspirations of the people living along the border.
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| Ceremony to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations in Nanning city, Guangxi, January 17. (Source: Vietnam Consulate General in Nanning) |
People-to-people exchanges along the border between the two sides have existed and developed for a very long time in history. Border markets and rest stops were established to serve diplomatic missions, official exchanges between authorities, as well as for local residents to travel, interact, exchange goods, make friends, and visit one another. Many historical and traditional border gates, paired markets, and crossing points between the two sides still exist and continue to develop to this day.
A highlight of people-to-people exchanges and the deep friendship between the two nations was the period when President Ho Chi Minh carried out revolutionary activities in China. In addition to his great sacrifices and contributions to the glorious revolutionary cause of the Party and the Vietnamese people, he also played a significant role in building and nurturing the solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and China in general, and between the border localities of the two countries in particular.
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| The Vietnam-China Youth Song performed by artists from the Vietnam Military University of Culture and Arts and Guangxi Academy of Arts, China at the program "Vietnam-China Friendship Songs 2025" in Hanoi, July 2025. |
Diverse Forms of Cooperation
In addition, activities such as the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), the Vietnam-China Border People's Friendship Exchange Conference, and the Border Cooperation Forum serve as opportunities for people, businesses, and social organizations on both sides to engage in practical and effective exchanges and cooperation. Cooperation in the fields of culture and education has also yielded many positive outcomes in people-to-people exchanges between the two sides.
Every year, universities in Guangxi welcome thousands of Vietnamese students for study and research. Guangxi grants over 100 scholarships annually to Vietnamese localities for sending students to study in China. In return, Vietnamese localities also offer scholarships for students from Guangxi to study in Vietnam. Schools along the border organize student and faculty exchanges, as well as cultural, linguistic, and artistic interactions between students from both countries.
Moreover, exchanges between mass organizations in border localities are held regularly. Youth, women's, and veterans' organizations frequently organize visits, exchanges, and experience-sharing on community development, cultural life building, and areas of mutual interest such as digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
Notably, 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and has been designated as the Vietnam-China Year of People-to-People Exchange. In addition to local-level people-to-people activities along the border, many national-level exchange events are also set to take place in Guangxi. This presents a highly favorable condition to further strengthen the friendly cooperation between Guangxi and Vietnamese localities.
In this continuous flow, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Nanning has been and continues to be an important bridge in promoting people-to-people exchanges between the two countries' border regions. With the diplomatic mission of serving development, placing people and businesses at the center, the Consulate General not only supports the effective implementation of official diplomatic activities but also actively coordinates the organization of various cultural, educational, and social exchange programs — contributing to deepening the friendship between the peoples of both countries.
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| The 2024 China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) will see a record number of 3,000 participating enterprises on an area of 200,000 square meters. (Source: Xinhua) |
Concrete Actions
In recent times, the Consulate General has hosted and participated in numerous notable events such as border exchange programs, tourism fairs, village twinning ceremonies, student exchange activities, educational and cultural cooperation seminars, and support for businesses to participate in trade fairs. Notably, each year the Consulate General coordinates with relevant authorities from both sides to promote visits, working sessions, and field surveys for delegations—creating favorable conditions to foster cooperation at the grassroots level.
In speeches at various forums, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Nanning has consistently emphasized that people-to-people exchange is a solid foundation for the friendship between the two countries and peoples. Enhancing mutual understanding, sharing, and connection between the people of both sides not only strengthens emotional bonds, but also creates momentum for economic and trade cooperation, contributing to the stable and sustainable development of the border region.
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| Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc and delegates inaugurated the Vietnam Trade Pavilion at CAEXPO 2024, September 2024. (Source: Ministry of Industry and Trade) |
To improve the effectiveness of border people-to-people exchanges, we need to develop a comprehensive master plan and an annual roadmap aligned with the overall Vietnam-China relationship and cooperation between localities. This will help preserve the friendly neighborly relations and ensure a peaceful, stable, and cooperative border for development. Commitments and shared understandings at the local level must be effectively implemented, alongside investment in border and checkpoint infrastructure, and improvement of policies and legal frameworks for businesses and border residents.
Both sides could consider establishing cultural stations or centers within residential clusters to promote local identity, culture, and cuisine, while innovating exchange formats to attract broad public participation. These efforts should harmoniously combine humanitarian and commercial activities. At the same time, it is necessary to step up legal dissemination and education, particularly regarding the three legal documents on the Vietnam-China land border and the commitments and agreements reached at forums and high-level visits, providing a solid foundation for practical implementation.
Inheriting the tradition of friendly and close cooperation between Guangxi, China, and the border localities of Vietnam—patiently cultivated by President Ho Chi Minh and generations of revolutionary predecessors—the Consulate General of Vietnam in Nanning will continue its efforts to further promote comprehensive cooperation across various fields. The goal is to raise awareness among the peoples of both nations, jointly nurturing the Vietnam-China friendship in general, and the relationship between Guangxi and Vietnam's border provinces in particular—bringing practical benefits to local communities on both sides.
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| Overview of the Opening Ceremony of the Research and Study Camp 'Following in Uncle Ho's Footsteps' in Guangxi, China. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in China) |
