Youth exchange strengthens China-Vietnam friendship

As the Year of the Horse approaches, 150 young Vietnamese traveled to South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region to trace the shared revolutionary roots of China-Vietnam friendship and experience China's modernization drive.

The visit, themed "Following Revolutionary Ideals and Working Together for a Shared Future", marked the first camp of the 2026 Vietnamese Youth Study Tour in China.

From Feb 8 to 12, the delegation traveled to cities including Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Chongzuo, and Fangchenggang. They toured historical sites such as the former residence of Ho Chi Minh to learn about the revolutionary friendship forged by pioneers from both countries in their pursuit of national liberation. They also visited industrial parks, enterprises, and ecological reserves to witness the achievements of Chinese modernization.

On Feb 9, the group went to Nanxishan Hospital in Guilin. From 1969 to 1975, the hospital served as China's only dedicated international rear hospital for wounded and sick Vietnamese personnel. It treated 5,432 Vietnamese patients and performed 2,576 surgeries. "Some 780,000 milliliters of blood flowed from the arms of Chinese medical workers into the veins of our Vietnamese brothers and sisters," said Huang Qingxia, a medical worker at the hospital.

Hoang Minh Hieu, a young Vietnamese participant, said he was impressed by the hospital museum's photos and artifacts documenting the mutual support between the two peoples during difficult years.

"I've been deeply moved by the high sense of responsibility and dedication of the medical team, as well as the sincere and strong international solidarity between Vietnam and China," he said.

He proposed expanding youth exchanges through joint study programs, seminars, and digital projects to preserve shared historical sites.

According to Huang, young Chinese medical workers are continuing this friendship through cross-border cooperation.

For example, they participate in joint pandemic prevention and control along the China-Vietnam border, promote shared medical standards, and operate the "1369 Life Express" rescue corridor between Dongxing in Guangxi and Mong Cai in Vietnam, allowing critically ill patients to cross quickly for treatment at Dongxing Municipal People's Hospital.

In 2025, the channel helped save 84 people from both countries, becoming a model of cross-border cooperation in healthcare.

The delegation later visited the Memorial Hall of the Vietnam School at Guangxi Normal University in Guilin.

Opened in May 2010, it is believed to be the world's only memorial dedicated to preserving and displaying the study and daily life of Vietnamese students in China. The former school compound was designated a regional-level cultural relic protection unit in Guangxi in 2017.

From the 1950s to the 1970s, several Vietnamese schools relocated to Guangxi. Yucai School and September 2 School, named after Vietnam's National Day, collectively known as the Vietnam Schools, were established at Guangxi Normal University.

Bui Huong Ngan, a Vietnamese student, said that photos of Chinese teachers living and studying with Vietnamese students reflect a close, family-like bond. She added that strengthening ties among memorial sites, people, and enterprises is key to effectively linking the red resources of Guangxi and Vietnam.

On Feb 10, the delegation visited the China-ASEAN Countries Artificial Intelligence (AI) Application Cooperation Center in Nanning. "Our company is already using the Chinese AI tool DeepSeek, but I hadn't realized that China applies AI in so many fields," said Do The Anh, a technology company employee. "We are actively seeking cooperation in cross-border logistics and hope to build more business partnerships between Vietnamese and Chinese enterprises."

The study tour also included a "Passing Down the Red Gene" China-Vietnam Youth Forum. Six young speakers from both countries shared their experiences in national development and reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing bilateral friendship.

During the event, the Communist Youth League committees of Guangxi and five Vietnamese border provinces and cities held a project matchmaking meeting. The two sides promoted 19 cooperation projects in key areas such as cross-border e-commerce, ecological and environmental protection, and cultural and tourism cooperation, with six cooperation agreements reached.

"We hope more red study tours and similar activities will be held to strengthen youth exchanges in culture, tourism, and economy and trade, so as to further deepen the friendship between Vietnam and China," said Hoang Nhu Quynh, a representative from Lang Son.

zhangli@chinadaily.com.cn