Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh

Both sides agreed to fulfill the goal of trade volume of 1 trillion USD and investment of 150 billion USD by 2020. They committed to boosting collaboration in digital economy, e-commerce, sustainable connection and development, and cultural and people exchanges. Ministers acknowledged progress in building the Code of Conduct and underscored the importance of trust, peace, stability, navigation and aviation freedom on the East Sea.

Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said Vietnam will actively cooperate with ASEAN countries to boost the ASEAN-China cooperation. Mr. Minh expressed grave concern over the recent developments in the East Sea, with Chinese geological survey vessel group Haiyang Dizhi 8’s activities violating Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf in the waters. He said the actions seriously threaten legitimate rights of coastal countries, erode trust, and worsen tension, thus hurting peace and stability in the region.