China, Vietnam to settle maritime disputes

HANOI - Senior Chinese and Vietnamese officials agreed in Hanoi on Friday to properly settle the maritime disputes and control their differences through dialogue.

The consensus was reached in a meeting between China's top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

"The maritime issue is highly complicated and sensitive, which requires negotiations to manage and control differences," said Yu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

"Magaphone diplomacy can only trigger volatility of public opinion, which should be avoided by both sides," said Yu, who is in Hanoi for a three-day official visit.

He proposed both countries to enhance political trust and build consensus, strengthen guidance in public opinion, and promote substantial cooperation in various areas.

"We are ready to beef up coordination with Vietnam, enhance personnel training and media swaps, to lay solid public opinion foundation for the development of China-Vietnam ties," Yu said.

Nguyen Tan Dung, for his part, said Vietnam expects joint efforts with China to properly settle maritime disputes in a candid and friendly spirit, and especially promote substantial progress in their negotiations regarding the maritime demarcation of the bay mouth of Beibu Gulf.

He agreed to treat China in an honest and candid manner, and further facilitate bilateral cooperation in such fields as economy, culture, education and youth exchanges.

Yu also met with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang on Friday, respectively, and held talks with Nguyen Thien Nhan, chairman of Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee.

Yu conveyed to Nguyen Phu Trong and Truong Tan Sang greetings from Chinese President and the CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping.

He said his visit to Vietnam aims to cement relations between the two ruling parties and countries, as well as implement the consensus reached between Xi and Truong Tan Sang during the latter 's trip to Beijing last month for the APEC summit.

Yu urged for joint efforts from both countries to maintain and expand the momentum for improving bilateral ties, and promote even greater progress of China-Vietnam relations.

Next year marks the 65th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. "History shows that to enhance China-Vietnam friendship and cooperation meets the fundamental interests of the two parties, countries and peoples, and also contributes to regional peace, stability and prosperity," Yu said.

He urged both sides to learn from historical experience, cherish their traditional friendship, jointly respond to challenges, in order to boost continuous progress of China-Vietnam ties along a correct path.

China wishes the 12th CPV Congress, scheduled in early 2016, a full success, Yu said, adding his country hopes to see greater achievements of Vietnam's reform and development under the leadership of Nguyen Phu Trong.

Nguyen Phu Trong said Vietnam pays great attention to China's economic and social development, and considers it as Vietnam's opportunity.

The CPV admires the CPC's progress in party building and anti- corruption campaign, Nguyen Phu Trong said, calling on the two ruling parties to share experience in governance, and boost high- level visits and cooperation in various areas.

Truong Tan Sang told Yu that the Vietnam-China friendly cooperative ties will remain unchanged despite changes in international situation.

"Vietnam always give priority of its foreign policy to its all- round strategic cooperation partnership with China," Truong Tan Sang said, vowing joint efforts with China to cement political trust and substantial cooperation.

In their talks, Yu and Nguyen Thien Nhan agreed to boost closer cooperation between the CPPCC and the VFF, and earnestly fulfill the MoU regarding their cooperation from 2014-2019.

Yu is visiting Hanoi from Thursday to Saturday at the invitation of the CPV Central Committee and the Fatherland Front of Vietnam.