Vietnam underscores stronger ASEAN-China cooperation for regional peace and stability

Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang led a Vietnamese delegation to the 32nd ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Consultation (ACSOC) and the 26th ASEAN-China Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (SOM-DOC), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 21.

At the ACSOC-32 meeting, ASEAN member states highly valued China’s role in the region and globally, saying China is one of ASEAN’s most dynamic, comprehensive and wide-ranging partners. ASEAN and China were also described as key drivers of regional growth and development, with the regional bloc’s GDP growth projected at 4.9% in 2025 and China’s at 5%.

The two sides have been major trade and investment partners for many years.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying, Head of the ASEAN-China SOM delegation, said ASEAN is one of the world’s most successful regional organizations with an increasingly important voice and role in the region. She reaffirmed that China sees ASEAN as a priority in its neighbourhood policy, supports ASEAN Community-building efforts and ASEAN centrality, and stands ready to contribute to regional development and prosperity.

The meeting noted that 2026 will mark the start of ASEAN’s implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and related strategic plans. It will also be the first year ASEAN and China carry out their joint Plan of Action (POA) for 2026-2030.

Delegates said effective implementation of these visions and plans will provide a solid and mutually reinforcing foundation for closer cooperation and common development.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and the fifth anniversary of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, ASEAN and China agreed to organize a range of practical activities to highlight the significance of these milestones and create new opportunities for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.

Amid increasingly rapid, complex and unpredictable global developments, the meeting stressed the importance of dialogue, trust-building, connectivity, collaboration and stronger resilience to external shocks, contributing to peace, security, stability and sustainable development in the region.

Delegates also reviewed the implementation of outcomes from the 28th ASEAN-China Summit in October 2025 and consented to speed up implementation of the ASEAN-China Plan of Action for 2026-2030.

Both sides also pledged to finalize ratification procedures and effectively implement the upgraded ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 protocol, while expanding collaboration in energy, artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, combating cybercrime and online fraud.

At the SOM-DOC 26 meeting, participating countries reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982). ASEAN and China also reviewed progress in fully realizing the DOC and negotiating a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Addressing the meetings, Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang reiterated that Vietnam and ASEAN attach importance to the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He emphasized that, particularly in the current context, ASEAN-China relations should contribute more actively to regional peace, stability and development. According to him, both sides should continue upholding international law, the United Nations Charter, the TAC and multilateralism, while strengthening consultations, building trust and promoting dialogue through ASEAN-led mechanisms.

Giang also called for stronger consultations aimed at China’s early signing and ratification of the protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty. In addition, he urged both sides to enhance road, rail, maritime and air connectivity to facilitate trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, while boosting coordination to tackle emerging challenges such as border security, anti-human trafficking, anti-drug trafficking, anti-money laundering efforts and cybersecurity.

The Vietnamese diplomat underlined the importance of maintaining peace, stability, freedom of navigation and aviation, settling disputes through peaceful means and complying with international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982, reported VOV.

Heads of delegation at the ACSOC-32 meeting (Photo: Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

He also called on parties to fully and effectively implement the DOC, describing it as an important foundation for COC negotiations. Vietnam, he said, will continue working closely with ASEAN member states and China toward the early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC in line with international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982, contributing to peace, stability and cooperation in the East Sea.

On the sidelines of the meetings, Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang also held talks with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying, Head of the ASEAN-China SOM delegation, and Hou Yanqi, Head of China’s SOM-DOC delegation.

During the meetings, the two sides concurred to continue close coordination to effectively implement agreements and common perceptions reached by senior leaders of the two Parties and countries, while intensifying high-level exchanges and practical cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, transport, agriculture and energy.

They also compared notes on regional and international issues of mutual concern and coordination at multilateral forums, emphasizing their determination to accelerate negotiations on an effective and substantive COC consistent with international law and UNCLOS 1982.

Vietnam seen as attractive investment destination for 2026–2035

Vietnam is quietly pushing ahead with reforms and emerging as an attractive destination for investors in the 2026–2035 period, according to an analysis published by US-based logistics website morethanshipping.com.

The article described Vietnam as strategically positioned along major regional maritime routes, including the East – West corridor linking the Americas, the Middle East, India and Europe, and the North – South corridor connecting China and Southeast Asia, helping make the country a gateway for international trade.

With a coastline stretching roughly 3,200 kilometres and 114 seaports as of January 2022, including several deep-water ports, Vietnam enjoys major advantages in logistics and import – export activities, it said.

Many factories in Vietnam are owned by Chinese and Republic of Korean firms, facilitating integration into existing supply chains and easing the transfer of production standards, procedures and product information, according to the writing.

Despite global economic headwinds and natural disasters in 2025, Vietnam has demonstrated strong resilience, recording GDP growth of 8.02% in 2025 and further reinforcing economists’ optimistic outlook.

The article said the country continues to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) as businesses seek to diversify their presence in Asia, access the Vietnamese and South Asian markets, complement operations in China, and take advantage of Vietnam’s extensive network of free trade agreements (FTAs), manufacturing advantages and market opportunities.

A recent key driver is the development in the US – Vietnam trade relationship with preferential trade agreements such as the Bilateral Trade Agreement and commitments under the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Many firms consider Vietnam a safer or supplementary investment destination in Asia.

Exports and imports are handled at Hai Phong International Container Terminal. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam is also entering a pivotal stage of development as it pursues ambitious growth targets and economic restructuring. The Government is prioritising high-value growth through policies aimed at improving productivity, promoting innovation and accelerating industrial upgrading, VNA

The year 2026 holds special significance as it marks the beginning of the final phase of Vietnam’s 2021–2030 Socio-Economic Development Strategy, with priorities placed on high-quality growth, digital transformation and sustainable development, according to morethanshipping.com.

Under its updated development planning framework, Vietnam is focusing on strategic and high-tech sectors such as electronics, digital technology, automobile manufacturing, railways and shipbuilding, while gradually expanding into emerging industries including semiconductors, robotics, automation and artificial intelligence (AI). By 2030, it aims to become Southeast Asia’s second-largest e-commerce market and further transition towards a knowledge-based and innovative economy.

Among the factors making Vietnam an increasingly attractive investment destination, the article particularly emphasised the country’s stable political environment and strong growth drivers.

It noted that Vietnam has a relatively stable government, a clear economic vision, reasonable policy management mechanisms, low investment barriers and strong incentive schemes compared to similar markets.

The country has also set ambitious growth targets, aiming for annual GDP growth of over 8% and above 10% during the 2026–2030 period, while seeking to raise per capita income to around 8,500 USD by 2030 and 38,000 USD by 2050.

The writing added Vietnam’s large and youthful workforce, estimated at nearly 60 million people and expanding by around one million workers annually, remains a major advantage for long-term investment and manufacturing development.

East Sea may see first tropical storm as Vietnam enters severe heatwave

Vietnam’s weather pattern is shifting sharply as intense heat spreads northward and heavy monsoon rains return to the south.

Northern and central Vietnam are entering what forecasters say could become the longest and most intense heatwave since the start of the season, while southern provinces are expected to see increasing thunderstorms. Meteorologists are also warning that the East Sea could witness its first tropical storm or depression within the next month.

Severe heat spreads across northern and central Vietnam

According to Vu Tuan Anh from the Weather Forecast Department under the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the western low-pressure heat system has intensified again, causing temperatures to rise sharply across northern and central regions starting May 22.

On May 22, the northern delta region and southern Phu Tho are expected to experience widespread heat with maximum temperatures ranging from 35-36 degrees Celsius, with some areas exceeding 36 degrees.

The same day, provinces stretching from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang, along with eastern areas from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, will also face hot weather conditions, with some locations experiencing severe heat reaching 35-37 degrees Celsius and isolated areas surpassing 37 degrees.

By May 23, the heatwave is forecast to intensify further and expand across most northern and central provinces.

In northern Vietnam, temperatures are expected to range from 35-37 degrees Celsius, with some areas exceeding 37 degrees.

Meanwhile, areas from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang and eastern provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak could see temperatures between 36-38 degrees Celsius, with isolated areas climbing above 38 degrees.

According to forecaster Tuan Anh, central Vietnam will also be affected by foehn winds, locally known as Lao winds, which are expected to make conditions even hotter and drier.

“The peak of this heatwave is forecast between May 24 and 27. Maximum temperatures in northern and central Vietnam could range from 36-39 degrees Celsius. In some northern areas and western mountainous regions from Thanh Hoa to Hue, temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius cannot be ruled out,” he said.

Compared with the previous heatwave from May 13-16, this latest spell is forecast to be both more intense and longer-lasting.

Meteorologists also warned that actual outdoor temperatures may be 2-4 degrees Celsius higher, especially in densely built urban areas with asphalt roads and concrete surfaces.

Prolonged heat combined with low humidity is expected to increase the risk of fires and explosions while posing health threats to elderly people, children and outdoor workers.

The weather agency forecasts that the widespread heatwave in northern Vietnam will continue from May 23-27 before scattered showers and thunderstorms arrive late on May 27, bringing some relief.

In central Vietnam, particularly from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang and eastern areas from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, the heatwave is expected to persist through May 27 or 28 before gradually easing and becoming more localized.

Southern Vietnam enters stronger rainy season pattern

Southern Vietnam is now showing increasingly clear signs of the rainy season as the southwest monsoon becomes more stable and gradually strengthens, effectively ending the prolonged widespread heat experienced earlier this year.

Starting May 22, southern provinces are forecast to experience scattered showers and thunderstorms during the late afternoon and evening hours.

From the evening of May 27 onward, stronger southwest monsoon activity is expected to bring more widespread rainfall, with localized heavy downpours possible.

Elsewhere, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue in many areas, VNN reported.

Northern and central Vietnam are expected to face a prolonged heatwave. Photo: Nam Khanh

In the Central Highlands, more regular afternoon and evening rain and thunderstorms are forecast beginning around May 27.

Meteorologists warned that thunderstorms could bring dangerous weather phenomena including tornadoes, lightning, hail and strong winds.

Storm warning issued for East Sea

Nguyen Duc Hoa, Deputy Head of the Weather Forecast Department, said average temperatures nationwide from May 21 to June 20 are expected to remain 0.5-1 degree Celsius above long-term averages, with some areas potentially recording even higher anomalies.

Rainfall in the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam is forecast to exceed average levels by 5-25%, while other regions are expected to remain near normal.

Most notably, forecasters say the East Sea could witness the formation of a tropical storm or tropical depression within the next month, with activity expected to align with long-term averages for the period - around 0.9 storms at sea and 0.2 storms making landfall in Vietnam.

From now until late June, heatwaves are expected to intensify further across northern and central Vietnam, while widespread heat in the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam is likely to largely disappear.

Widespread heavy rainfall is forecast to continue affecting northern Vietnam, the Central Highlands and southern provinces, while localized thunderstorms remain likely elsewhere.

Given increasingly complex weather patterns, experts urged local authorities and residents to closely monitor short-term forecasts over the next one to three days in order to adjust production plans and prepare timely response measures.

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