China and Vietnam to launch first “3+3” ministerial strategic dialogue

Friday 13 March 2026 - 12:45

China and Vietnam are set to hold their first joint meeting bringing together ministers responsible for foreign affairs, defense, and internal security, marking a new step in the strategic relationship between the two neighboring countries.

The meeting, scheduled to take place in Vietnam next week, will introduce the so-called “3+3” dialogue format, designed to strengthen coordination in diplomacy, defense policy, and public security. The initiative reflects the growing importance both governments place on regional stability and bilateral cooperation.

Among the Chinese officials expected to attend are Wang Yi, Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong, and Defense Minister Dong Jun. The delegation will travel to Vietnam from March 15 to 17 to participate in the inaugural ministerial dialogue.

During the visit, Wang Yi is also scheduled to co-chair the 17th session of the steering committee overseeing bilateral cooperation between the two countries. This mechanism has served for years as a platform to coordinate political, economic, and strategic initiatives.

China and Vietnam share a long border and maintain what both governments describe as a comprehensive strategic partnership. Despite occasional tensions in the South China Sea, the two countries continue to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, infrastructure, and security.

Economic ties between the two nations have grown rapidly in recent years. Bilateral trade reached more than $260 billion in 2024, making China one of Vietnam’s largest trading partners and a key source of investment and industrial supply chains.

Observers say the new “3+3” framework could further institutionalize dialogue between the two governments and provide a structured platform to manage both cooperation and sensitive regional issues.