Source: Jinan University Media Center

Date: November 11, 2025

PHOTO: Opening ceremony

Jinan University today convened an academic seminar titled "China-Vietnam Friendly Relations: Current Status and Prospects." The event brought together over 20 experts and scholars from leading universities, research institutes, and legal practice communities in China and Vietnam to explore key aspects of bilateral relations in the new era.

Held as part of the series celebrating Jinan University's 120th anniversary, the seminar was supported by the Guangdong Provincial Center for Regional and Country Studies of Jinan University. Discussions centered on China-Vietnam relations, economic and trade cooperation, judicial collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges.

Opening Remarks: Highlighting Academic Dialogue and Cooperation

In her opening address, Zhang Xiaoxin, Vice President of Jinan University, outlined the University’s strengths in regional and country studies. She emphasized that the seminar aimed to further deepen bilateral ties through scholarly exchange. Nguyen Vu Son, former Dean of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, noted that China remains Vietnam’s most important comprehensive strategic partner. He stressed the need to enhance mutual trust and expand cooperation within the established bilateral framework.

Keynote Speeches: Strategic Orientation and Historical Context

In his keynote address, Nguyen Vu Son outlined Vietnam's foreign policy priorities, noting that the next five years represent a critical phase for the country’s development. He highlighted Vietnam’s focus on maintaining a stable external environment and deepening multilateral engagement, with China occupying a central role in its partnership network.

Professor Gu Xiaosong of Hainan Tropical Ocean University examined the historical and institutional parallels between the two countries. He noted that shared commitments to independence and multilateralism provide a solid foundation for strengthened collaboration. Associate Professor Deng Yingwen of Jinan University reviewed key milestones in bilateral relations and introduced the University’s role in historical research and subnational cooperation projects.

PHOTO: Panel discussion in progress

Panel Sessions: Multifaceted Perspectives on Cooperation and Challenges

The panel sessions delved into several specific themes.

In the discussion on bilateral relations, scholars highlighted the resilience of China-Vietnam economic ties, noting China's continued position as Vietnam's largest trading partner and the ongoing shift of Chinese investment toward high-tech and green industries. The conversation also touched on the impact of external factors, including changes in the global trade environment, and called for more robust academic methodologies and knowledge-sharing frameworks.

The judicial cooperation panel addressed practical legal challenges. Vietnamese scholars pointed to limited research on Chinese law in Vietnam and a shortage of bilingual legal professionals, underscoring the need for enhanced educational collaboration and capacity building. Legal practitioners analyzed compliance risks in cross-border investment and recommended specialized training and legal support mechanisms to improve cooperation quality. The session also explored mutual influences between the two legal systems and potential models for cross-border judicial coordination.

The panel on economic and cultural exchanges examined emerging opportunities. Participants discussed the potential role of Vietnam’s international financial center initiatives in facilitating bilateral financial cooperation. On trade balance, scholars encouraged a value-chain perspective and suggested industrial chain collaboration to boost mutual competitiveness. The panel also shared updates on infrastructure connectivity, youth exchanges, and Chinese language education initiatives between the two countries.

PHOTO: Attendees during the seminar

Closing Reflections: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

The seminar concluded with a broad consensus among participants that amid global changes, China-Vietnam relations face both challenges and opportunities for deeper collaboration. Professor Liu Yiqiang, Vice Dean of the School of International Studies / Academy of Overseas Chinese Studies at Jinan University, affirmed the University’s commitment to serving as a platform for bilateral academic dialogue and to providing research-based insights for the steady development of China-Vietnam relations.