Every Vietnamese in China should serve as an ambassador of the Vietnam-China friendship — a bond of "comradeship and fraternity" that has been built and nurtured over generations and will continue to be passed on to future generations.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the meeting. Photos: Nhat Bac

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made the remarks during a meeting with the Vietnamese community in China’s Yunnan Province on November 5, during the Government leader's current visit to the country from November 5 to 8.

Reporting on the Vietnamese community in Yunnan, the Vietnamese Consul General in Kunming Hoang Minh Son emphasized the importance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit, which aims to create momentum for stronger, more effective, and meaningful cooperation between Vietnamese and Chinese localities.

Yunnan Province, a key area in Southwest China with a population of over 48 million, maintains close ties with Vietnam. There are currently about 40,000 Vietnamese living in Yunnan, including around 5,000 students. The community generally has a stable life and remains connected to their homeland. They recently donated $5,000 to support those affected by natural disasters in Vietnam.

Pham Gia Duc, President of the Vietnamese Association in Kunming, that although winter has arrived, the community feels warmth from the Prime Minister’s visit, as it brings the sentiments of the Party, State, and people back home.

According to Duc, there have been four generations of the Vietnamese community in Yunnan. The first two generations largely migrated to Yunnan over a century ago via the railway connecting Kunming to Haiphong, working on the railway and in various other jobs. Duc, a third-generation member, noted that his generation forms the majority of the Vietnamese community in Yunnan today.

He added that the Vietnamese in Yunnan have a tradition of patriotism and maintain strong ties with Vietnam. When Yunnan restored the Ho Chi Minh Memorial in Kunming, the Vietnamese community actively supported the project, demonstrating their patriotic spirit and respect for their homeland and for President Ho Chi Minh, Duc said.

The Prime Minister and the Vietnamese community in Yunnan.

For his part, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reviewed Yunnan’s close relationship with Vietnam, noting that President Ho Chi Minh had spent time here during his journey to seek national salvation and led revolutionary efforts. Presently, Yunnan maintains close ties with Vietnam’s four border provinces: Lao Cai, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, and Ha Giang.

The Prime Minister highlighted the historical bonds and people-to-people ties that have existed since the railway between Yunnan and Vietnam was built. Many Vietnamese used this route to work and live in Yunnan, forming families that now span four generations. He emphasized the role of the railway in connecting the two economies, promoting people-to-people exchange, and fostering strong ties between the two countries.

“Kunming is of great significance to Vietnam’s revolution and will play an increasingly important role as both nations further develop their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and shared strategic vision for the future, ensuring sustainable and comprehensive growth for mutual benefit,” said Chinh.

The Prime Minister noted that China and  Vietnam are socialist neighbors, sharing borders, mountains, and rivers underscoring Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening its friendship and cooperation with China as a top priority in its foreign policy.

During an emotional visit to the Ho Chi Minh Memorial in Kunming, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to  China’s Party, State, and people for their support during  Vietnam’s struggle for national liberation and development. Sending warm greetings from home, he thanked China for supporting the Vietnamese community in Yunnan and helping them live, study, and work successfully.

The Prime Minister urged the Vietnamese mission in the province to continue supporting the community as it were their family, especially in times of need. He shared insights into Vietnam’s recent social and economic achievements, marking nearly 40 years of Doi Moi reforms. He encouraged the Vietnamese community in China to remain united, abide by the law, and integrate positively.

The Prime Minister expressed his hope that every Vietnamese individual would serve as an ambassador of the Vietnam-China friendship, a bond of "comradeship and brotherhood" built over generations. This relationship is a precious common heritage that current and future generations should cherish, nurture, and strengthen.