On Friday, China’s defence ministry said Dong was in Hanoi to attend that day’s celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army. It is not known how long he will be in Vietnam.
On Thursday, To Lam called for expanded cooperation with China’s military in training, ideology and border defence in a meeting with Dong in Hanoi on Thursday.
To Lam praised defence cooperation between China and Vietnam as “increasingly practical and effective”, according to a report published by Vietnam News Agency on Thursday.
The two countries’ militaries should step up exchanges at all levels and explore new areas for potential cooperation, he reportedly told Dong.
To Lam emphasised “the need for expanding cooperation in political and ideological education, personnel training and border defence” while calling for more defence cooperation and better ways to control and settle disputes over contested waters, according to the report.
