China and Vietnam share both a long common border and a millennia-old complex history full of cultural, political, and economic interconnections. Already in antiquity, Vietnam was at times under Chinese rule, which leaves traces in culture and language to this day. In the 20th century, communism connected both countries as a shared formative ideology. Nevertheless, the relationship was not free of conflicts: especially in recent decades, territorial disputes in the South China Sea had become a central point of conflict.
This territorial rivalry is intensified by China's growing influence in the region and Vietnam's close relations with the USA as well as with partners such as Japan and the EU. In doing so, Vietnam strives to maintain its sovereignty and pursues a balanced foreign policy that includes both cooperation with China and relations with other international partners. By diversifying its trade structure and through targeted industrial policies, for example in the high-tech sector, Vietnam attempts to reduce its dependencies on its large neighbor and to meet China on equal footing within integrated alliances. Despite these strategic positions, both countries maintain political exchange and intensive economic relations that are of great importance to their economies.
In summary, the relationship between Vietnam and China remains a balancing act between cooperation and competition in a dynamic geopolitical environment. Both countries are aware of the impact of their bilateral relations on the entire region.
Would you like to learn more about this topic? – You can get a well-founded geopolitical classification of current developments in Southeast Asia from expert Ralf Schuster in our annual review “Geopolitics meets Thuringian foreign trade: New alliances in Southeast Asia“ on December 4 at the LEG.
Also dealing with this region will be on September 11 our India-ASEAN Business Circle. The focus here is on concrete business opportunities for Thuringian companies in India and the ASEAN economic area. Due to the limited number of participants, early registration is recommended for this exclusive online event.
From October 18 to 25 will lead a Thuringian delegation trip to Beijing and Shanghai, among other places, to which we would like to expressly invite you. The delegation, led by Thuringia's Minister of Economic Affairs Colette Boos-John, will explore new cooperation opportunities for business and science. The agenda particularly includes the topics of Intelligent Manufacturing & Robotics, E-Mobility & Smart Infrastructure, as well as Green Tech & Circular Economy. At the same time, the trip aims to promote the Free State as a business and investment location. You can find further information and registration options on the Event website.
Furthermore, under the leadership of Marcus Malsch, State Secretary at the Thuringian Ministry for Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Rural Areas, on November 2 a Thuringian business delegation will depart for Vietnam. The visit also takes place on the occasion of the celebrations for "50 years of diplomatic relations“ between Germany and Vietnam. Stops on the trip will include Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and optionally also Bac Ninh and Than Hoa. Further information can be found here.
