China today fired a 21-cannon salute to welcome General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President To Lam who chooses the neighboring country for his first overseas trip.

Xi Jinping and his spouse welcomed General Secretary To Lam and his wife to Beijing for a three-day visit.

The military band performs the countries' national anthems at the welcome ceremony. Photos: Nguyen Hong/Baoquocte General Secretary and President To Lam (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the ceremony.    The two leaders at the ceremonial reception.

21 cannons ready for the salute.   The wives of the two leaders and high-ranking officials from both sides attend the ceremony.   The two leaders inspect the guards of honor.

This is the first overseas trip of General Secretary To Lam.  Children wave flags and flowers to welcome the leaders.   China is now Vietnam's largest trading partner with two-way trade reaching US$230 billion in 2023.

The two communist parties have maintained close ties.