The cooperative relationship between Vietnamese border localities and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (China) is entering a stage of positive, stable, and highly potential development. In this context, Hai Phong City has affirmed its position as a key link, transitioning from a guest role to an official member, opening up vast cooperation space across many pivotal sectors.
Cooperation Mechanism Enters a New "Golden Decade"
On February 11, 2026, in Nanning City, the 2026 Spring Meeting Program between the Party Secretaries of Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, and Hai Phong provinces and the Secretary of the Guangxi Regional Party Committee was successfully organized. The parties agreed that this mechanism has entered a new “golden decade,” becoming a model for local-level cooperation between the two countries.
Current cooperation is not only based on the "16-word" motto and the "4-good" spirit but also closely follows the "6-more" overall goal, emphasizing practical efficiency and high political trust. Notably, after the administrative reorganization in 2025, the scale and potential of these localities have been elevated, creating momentum for larger cooperation projects.
Hai Phong’s New Position in the Integration Mechanism
One of the most profound milestones in 2026 is that Hai Phong City officially became a member of the Spring Meeting mechanism and the Joint Working Committee Conference (JWCC). Previously, in 2025, Hai Phong attended as a guest; however, thanks to its proactivity and positive contributions, the city was unanimously accepted as an official member by all parties.
During a working visit to Guangxi in February 2026, a high-ranking Hai Phong delegation led by City Party Secretary Le Tien Chau held talks with Guangxi Party Secretary Tran Cuong. Here, the leaders of both localities affirmed their shared will to deepen the cooperative relationship, especially in sectors where both sides possess strengths.
Key Cooperation Pillars
Based on the minutes of talks and signed agreements, the cooperation between Vietnamese localities (including Hai Phong) and Guangxi focuses on several spearhead fields:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Transformation: This is a new breakthrough in the relationship. The parties agreed to coordinate reports on the construction of the Vietnam - China AI Application Cooperation Center and deploy specialized human resource training. Hai Phong has proactively visited and surveyed the China-ASEAN AI Center in Nanning and requested Guangxi to share experiences in this field. From 2026, Guangxi will grant ASEAN scholarships to Hai Phong students to major in AI.
- Infrastructure Connectivity and Seaport Logistics: Localities are actively promoting the planning and construction of the Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong standard-gauge railway. Hai Phong aims to maximize its seaport advantages to connect Guangxi with the global market while strengthening cooperation in investing in logistics zones and seaports.
- Economy - Trade and Finance: Guangxi commits to creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese seafood, fruits, and agricultural products to enter deep into the Chinese domestic market via Guangxi. The parties also agreed to increase payments in local currencies and simplify financial procedures to boost trade.
- People-to-People Exchange and the Younger Generation: "Red Journey" research and study activities under the theme "In the Footsteps of Uncle Ho" are being promoted to educate the younger generation on the tradition of friendship. Additionally, cultural and sports activities, such as the Spring Friendly Football Match, contribute to tightening solidarity.
Future Vision: Hai Phong to Host in 2027
At the conclusion of the 2026 program, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreeing on key tasks and directions. Notably, the parties agreed that the 2027 Spring Meeting Program will be hosted and implemented by Hai Phong City (Vietnam). This serves as a testament to the high level of political trust and the increasingly important role of Hai Phong in promoting the building of a Vietnam-China Community with a Shared Future of strategic significance from the local level.