Hanoi (VNA)♈ – The Vietnamese and Chinese youth are actively stepping into their roles as "young cultural ambassadors," fostering the bridge of friendship and carrying forward the rich traditions nurtured by leaders and people of both nations, Party General Secretary To Lam has said.

A gathering of Vietnamese and Chinese alumni across generations was held at the Vietnam – China Friendship Palace in Hanoi on March 20 to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic relations and the Year of Vietnam – China Humanistic Exchange 2025. The event brought together approximately 800 delegates from both countries, including educators, alumni, and students from various generations. These individuals have directly witnessed the evolution of Vietnam – China relations and represented the younger generation that will shape the future of their nations. Addressing the event, Party General Secretary To Lam affirmed that the gathering was an important opportunity to reflect on the long-standing Vietnam – China friendship, especially to convey messages about the role and determination of students and alumni in fostering the vision for a new era of development for each Party, nation, and bilateral relations. Noting with satisfaction that young people of the two countries are bringing into play their role as “young cultural ambassadors” and a bridge of friendship, he stressed that the younger generation has always received special attention from leaders of both Parties and both countries. They are expected to continue to uphold the traditional friendship, give strong vitality to, and contribute to a bright future of the Vietnam – China relations. He also noted that people-to-people ties are primarily initiated and sustained through the involvement of youth, making them a core force in ensuring strong, effective, and enduring bilateral relations. Lam emphasised the importance of deepening the understanding of bilateral relations, encouraging the youth of both countries to develop a profound appreciation for the long-standing history and the strategic importance of Vietnam – China ties. He pointed out that the younger generation holds both the honour and responsibility of carrying forward the legacy and elevating bilateral relations to even greater heights. He further urged the youth to actively pursue knowledge and skills in science and technology, contributing to the industrialisation and modernisation of their respective nations, thereby reinforcing the material foundation for stronger ties between Vietnam and China. The Party chief called for the innovation of cultural exchange initiatives among the younger generation. It is crucial to promote youth exchanges, educational cooperation, and cross-border initiatives to solidify mutual understanding and friendship, he noted. Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei offered a comprehensive overview of the Vietnam - China relations, highlighting the vigorous growth of bilateral ties over the years, especially since the top leaders of both countries agreed to elevate the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and build a Vietnam – China community with a shared future that carries great strategic significance. The ambassador expressed his confidence that the younger generation, including Vietnamese and Chinese students and alumni, will continue to uphold and promote this shared heritage, helping to further strengthen bilateral relations. At the event, Vietnamese and Chinese alumni shared their personal experiences and deep emotional connections from their time studying and working in each other's countries. Nguyen Thien Nhan, former Politburo member, former President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, and former Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, recalled his time at a school in Guilin with deep emotion. He affirmed that every Vietnamese student in China understood their responsibility to nurture the friendship and contribute to bilateral ties. Lu Mei Nian, a teacher at the Guangxi Normal University and former interpreter at the school in Guilin, expressed her gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh and Chairman Mao Zedong for their right education policies, which allowed her the opportunity to study Vietnamese and become an interpreter. Li Xianxian, Deputy Party Secretary and Vice President of the Guangxi Normal University, praised Vietnamese students for their dedication to their studies and their high proficiency in the Chinese language. He also highlighted their cultural adaptability, strong solidarity, and their ability to integrate well with international peers. As part of their efforts to deepen bilateral ties, the Guangxi Normal University is expanding cooperation with the Confucius Institute at the Hanoi University. This includes organising the Chinese Bridge language competition, expanding scholarship programmes at various academic levels, and strengthening joint training./.