Cultural cooperation – A bright spot in Vietnam-China relations

A vibrant Vietnam–China friendship cultural exchange program was held in Beijing on September 21 as part of activities celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Year of Vietnam–China Humanistic Exchange in 2025.

Representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy, the China–ASEAN Center, Vietnamese provinces, including Nghe An, Quang Tri, and Tay Ninh, as well as leaders of businesses and heads of associations from both sides, attended the event.

In his remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh highlighted the longstanding cultural and historical ties between the two nations, referring to them as friendly neighbors whose mountains and rivers are connected. Over the past 75 years, the relationship of both comrades and brothers has become a shared valuable asset of both Parties, Governments, and the people of Vietnam and China.

The ambassador reaffirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to strengthening and developing friendly and cooperative relations with China, considering this a consistent policy, an objective requirement, a strategic choice and a top priority in its foreign policy. The relationship is now at its best, with strengthened political trust and robust people-to-people exchanges, helping to drive tourism, trade, and investment ties.

Binh stressed that cultural exchange has constantly bridged the two countries' people, and become a highlight in the bilateral relations. During his working visit to China in November 2024, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh underlined the importance of cultural and tourism cooperation in advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and building a Vietnam-China Community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, he said.

Both sides are committed to implementing the Vietnam–China Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Plan for the 2023–2027 period, aiming to concretize new contents of the bilateral relationship into practical outcomes, reported VNA.

Delegates and artists of Vietnam and China at the event (Photo: VNA)

The ambassador expressed his confidence that withgreat attention of the governments and agencies, and support from the business communities of both nations, cultural and tourism cooperation between Vietnam and China will further develop, helping to deepen mutual understanding.

Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the China–ASEAN Center, highlighted the shared cultural affinity and geographic closeness between the two countries. Under the China–Vietnam Joint Statement, the two sides will continue to deepen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Both nations view each other’s development as their own opportunity and remain committed to the principle of long-term stability, friendly neighborliness and comprehensive cooperation, he said. Shi described the exchange as a celebration of friendship and expressed his hope that cultural dialogue would further enrich Vietnam – China and China – ASEAN ties.

The program featured traditional and contemporary performances, including “chau van” singing with “Co Doi Thuong Ngan” and the southern Vietnamese classic “Da co hoai lang,” alongside Chinese face-changing opera and instrumental folk music. Fashion collections by Vietnamese designers Quynh Paris, Ivan Tran, and Le Huu Nhan were also showcased.

PM orders prompt action to respond to super typhoon Ragasa

The Prime Minister has requested an early, decisive, and vigilant response, with no room for complacency, and full preparation for the worst-case scenario in order to safeguard the lives and property of the people ahead of super typhoon Ragasa.

In a directive dated September 22, the PM cited the National Central for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting saying Sagara is currently swirling across the eastern part of the Philippines’ Luzon Island, with winds gusting more than 200kph. The super typhoon is forecast to enter the East Sea on the evening of September 22 and threaten Vietnamese localities from the central province of Ha Tinh to the northern province of Quang Ninh on September 24-25.

The PM requested that Party Secretaries and Chairpersons of People’s Committees from Quang Ngai province northwards, along with relevant ministries and agencies, closely monitor storm developments and immediately implement the highest level of preparedness. Coastal localities from Quang Ninh to Quang Ngai must postpone non-essential meetings and mobilise the entire political system to focus on storm response.

The directive calls for strict monitoring and timely notification to fishing vessels, guidance for safe evacuation, and firm restrictions or bans on going to sea when unsafe. Localities must reinforce houses, structures, and sea dikes; assist farmers in harvesting crops early; and prepare evacuation plans, rescue forces, and equipment.

The Prime Minister tasked the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment with closely monitoring the super typhoon, updating forecasts, ensuring the safety of fishing vessels, dikes, reservoirs, and agricultural production, and coordinating the safe operation of inter-reservoir systems. The Ministry of Construction is to ensure the safety of infrastructure and construction works, while also deploying search-and-rescue vessels at key locations, cited VOV.

Super Typhoon Ragasa is expected to generate dangerous storm surges along the coastline from Quang Ninh to Ha Tinh.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade must secure the safety of industrial production, oil and gas facilities, hydropower plants, and the power grid; ensure the steady supply of essential goods; and prevent hoarding or price gouging. The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security are directed to protect their forces and assets, and stand ready to assist localities in evacuation, disaster response, and rescue operations when required.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, Ragasa, with maximum sustained winds near its center gusting over 200kph, has already surpassed the strength of super typhoon Yagi, which caused severe damage to Vietnam in September 2024.

Notably, Ragasa is likely to shift slightly further south, reducing friction with the southern coast of China. This means the super typhoon could still maintain its extreme intensity when making landfall in Vietnam.

In addition, an early-season cold air mass from the north is moving toward the country. The interaction between this cold air and Ragasa in the coming days is expected to make the typhoon’s track and intensity even more complex and unpredictable.

Ragasa developed from a tropical depression off the coast of the Philippines and intensified into a typhoon on September 18. Since its formation, it has strengthened by nine categories, potentially making it the most powerful super typhoon ever to form in the East Sea.

Vietnam records world’s fastest tourism growth in first half of 2025

According to the latest report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), global tourism saw nearly 690 million international travelers in the first half of 2025 - an increase of approximately 33 million compared to the same period in 2024. Among all countries, Vietnam, alongside Japan, recorded the highest tourism growth rate worldwide.

Vietnam’s tourism industry posted impressive gains despite the Asia-Pacific region still recovering from the pandemic’s impact.

Africa and Asia-Pacific lead recovery

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commented on the first half of 2025: "Despite global challenges, international tourism continues to grow robustly. The increase in visitor arrivals and revenues during the first half of 2025 has positively contributed to economies, jobs, and local livelihoods."

He emphasized the importance of ensuring this growth remains sustainable and inclusive, urging collaboration with local stakeholders to support long-term development.

Globally, international tourist arrivals rose by 5% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, 4% higher than pre-pandemic levels. However, growth varied across regions.

Africa posted the strongest performance with a 12% rise in international arrivals, including a 14% increase in North Africa and 11% in sub-Saharan Africa.

Europe welcomed nearly 340 million international tourists in the first half of 2025, marking a 4% increase over 2024 and a 7% rise over 2019 levels. Northern, Western, and Southern Europe each grew 3%, while Central and Eastern Europe showed a strong 9% rebound, though still 11% below 2019 levels, VNN reported.

In the Americas, tourism grew by 3%. South America led with 14% growth, while Central America saw only a 2% rise. North America remained nearly unchanged due to slight declines in U.S. and Canadian arrivals. The Caribbean also underperformed due to weakened demand from the U.S. market.

The Middle East saw a 4% drop in tourist numbers, despite earlier pandemic recovery gains. Nevertheless, visitor arrivals in the region were still 29% higher than in the first half of 2019.

Asia-Pacific saw 11% growth, but the region has only recovered to 92% of pre-pandemic levels. Notably, Northeast Asia led regional growth with a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Vietnam and Japan lead global growth

In this context, UN Tourism ranked Vietnam and Japan as the world’s top tourism growth destinations in the first half of 2025. Both countries recorded a 21% increase in international tourist arrivals compared to the previous year.

Other markets also showed strong performance: Morocco (+19%), South Korea (+15%), Malaysia and Indonesia (+9%), Mexico, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong (China) (+7%). Top destinations such as France and Spain reported 5% growth in tourist arrivals.

Vietnam’s National Tourism Administration (under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) praised the country’s exceptional growth, especially given the Asia-Pacific region’s incomplete recovery.

According to the General Statistics Office (Ministry of Finance), Vietnam welcomed an estimated 10.66 million international tourists in the first half of 2025 - a 20.7% increase year-on-year. Total tourism revenue reached approximately 518 trillion VND (around USD 21.3 billion).

For the first eight months of 2025, Vietnam recorded 13.9 million international arrivals, up 21.7% compared to the same period in 2024. Experts attribute this growth to visa policy easing, stronger global promotion efforts, and the launch of new direct flights to popular destinations.

Risks remain for global tourism

Despite positive trends, the tourism industry still faces risks. A UN Tourism expert panel survey in September 2025 identified rising costs in transportation, accommodation, and general travel expenses as the main challenges affecting global tourism this year.

Travel inflation is expected to decline from 8% in 2024 to 6.8% in 2025, yet this remains significantly above the pre-pandemic rate of 3.1% and higher than the general inflation rate of 4.3%.

About 50% of experts surveyed predicted better tourism prospects for the September–December period, 33% expected the situation to remain stable, and 16% feared deterioration.

According to the panel, travelers are increasingly looking for value-for-money experiences, affordable travel products, and are shifting toward shorter trips or closer destinations in response to rising costs.

Economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions may also impact tourist confidence. Survey results indicated that low consumer confidence ranked third among tourism concerns, while geopolitical risks ranked fourth. Tariffs and travel regulations were also flagged as key obstacles.

The UN Tourism Confidence Index forecast for September–December 2025 reached 120 points (out of 200), up from 114 during May–August.

Monthly statistics from UN Tourism for the first half of 2025 revealed several destinations achieved impressive revenue growth from international tourism: Japan (+18%), the UK (+13%), France (+9%), Spain and Turkey (+8%).

Major outbound markets also showed significant spending increases: China and Spain (+16%), the UK (+15%), Singapore (+10%), and South Korea (+8%). In 2024, global international tourism revenue reached a record USD 1.734 trillion - 14% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Despite ongoing risks, global tourism demand is expected to remain stable through the end of 2025. UN Tourism has maintained its global growth forecast at 3–5% for the year.

Vietnam News Today (Sep. 19): Vietnam, Cambodia Strengthen Defense Cooperation Vietnam News Today (Sep. 19): President Luong Cuong’s coming trip to US holds special significance; Vietnam, Cambodia strengthen defense cooperation; Vietnam stands with AIPA to ...

Vietnam News Today (Sep. 20): France Backs Vietnam in New Stage of Development Vietnam News Today (Sep. 20): Vietnam, US deepen comprehensive strategic partnership amid major anniversaries; Deputy PM eyes Halal industry growth at Malaysia’s global summit 2025; ...