General Secretary and President To Lam is on a state visit to China from 14-17/4. During his visit, he surveyed the Hung An New Area, a region designated as China's "city of the future." On 14/4, Ha Bac Provincial Party Committee Secretary Nghe Nhac Phong accompanied President To Lam, presenting the overall planning map of the startup area and sharing experiences in the construction of the Hung An New Area, according to TTXVN. This visit marks the most important bilateral foreign affairs activity between the two Parties and countries in 2026.
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General Secretary and President To Lam visits China's Hung An New Area on 14/4. *Photo: TTXVN*
The Hung An New Area, established on 1/4/2017, is located in Ha Bac province, 100 km southwest of Beijing. Covering an area of 1.770 km2, its primary mission is to alleviate pressure on the capital and promote regional development across Beijing - Tianjin - Ha Bac. China considers this a historically significant strategic choice by the Party Central Committee, viewing it as a new area of national importance, following the Tham Quyen Special Economic Zone in Quang Dong and the Pho Dong New Area in Thuong Hai.
The establishment of the Hung An New Area aims to create a development hub for the Beijing - Tianjin - Ha Bac economic triangle. It serves as a model for innovative development with the following functions: an ecological and green new urban area, a pioneer in driving development through innovation, a model for harmonious development, and a leader in opening-up and development.
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General Secretary and President To Lam visits China's Hung An New Area on 14/4. *Photo: TTXVN*
China Daily reported that after 9 years of development, the Hung An New Area has become a vibrant city ready to attract more residents. The area has transitioned from a "basic construction" phase to "high-quality development." Over 400 branches of state-owned enterprises have relocated their headquarters to Hung An, and 4 universities have commenced operations in new facilities there. Several hospitals are also operational, providing high-quality medical services. By the end of 2025, 169.000 residents had relocated to the new area. Its population is projected to reach approximately 1,4 million people by 2025.
Beyond the Hung An New Area, General Secretary and President To Lam is expected to survey and learn about pilot models for railway infrastructure and industrial systems, as well as artificial intelligence research and application facilities, and innovation centers in Beijing, Ha Bac, and Quang Tay, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh. Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh stated that these field surveys will foster specific cooperation between ministries, sectors, localities, and businesses of both countries, gradually translating high-level common understandings and signed agreements into concrete projects and cooperation programs.
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Model of the Hung An New Area project. *Photo: China Daily*
China was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam on 18/1/1950. The two nations established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2008. In 2023, they issued a joint statement to elevate their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, promoting the building of a strategically significant community of shared future. In 2025, China was Vietnam's largest trading partner, while Vietnam was China's largest trading partner within ASEAN and its fourth largest trading partner globally by country.
In an article published in Nhan dan Nhat bao (People's Daily) before the visit, General Secretary and President To Lam outlined 4 cooperation priorities for the new phase: strengthening the political foundation of bilateral relations, shifting cooperation from "increasing scale" to "enhancing quality," deepening the social foundation of Vietnam-China relations, especially among the younger generation. The two countries also need to continue preserving a peaceful and stable environment, effectively managing disagreements, and adequately addressing existing issues.
Ngoc Anh
