2 Vietnam-China high-speed railways by 2030

Vietnam is planning to build two high-speed railway lines linking its capital, Hanoi, with China before 2030, signaling a warming of ties between the two communist-ruled neighbors. One line will run from the port cities of Haiphong and Quang Ninh through Hanoi to Lao Cai province, bordering China's Yunnan province. The other line will connect Hanoi to Lang Son province, which borders China's Guangxi region and passes through a densely populated area with global manufacturing facilities, including those owned by Chinese investors. This development comes as part of Vietnam's broader strategy to enhance its transportation infrastructure and foster closer economic ties with China, its largest trading partner.

Vietnam's National Assembly chairman, Vuong Dinh Hue, recently met with executives of Chinese railway companies during his visit to Beijing, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two countries. Vietnam's Ministry of Planning and Investment confirmed these plans in a statement, reflecting the country's ambition to modernize its outdated railway system, which currently includes old lines needing upgrades on the Vietnam side. This initiative is expected to bolster Vietnam's manufacturing sector, which heavily relies on imports from China, and improve connectivity between the two nations.

In addition to these high-speed rail projects, Vietnam is also planning a massive high-speed railway line linking Hanoi with its business hub, Ho Chi Minh City. This ambitious project underscores Vietnam's commitment to developing a comprehensive high-speed rail network to support its economic growth and integration into the regional economy. Earlier this month, Vietnamese officials sought to learn from China's expertise in high-speed rail development, marking a significant step in their efforts to advance the country's transportation infrastructure.

The recent high-level meetings between Vietnamese and Chinese officials, including Vuong Dinh Hue's discussions with Chinese railway executives and President Xi Jinping, signify a deepening of bilateral relations. This follows a series of cooperation agreements signed during Xi's visit to Hanoi in December, covering various sectors, including railways. These developments indicate a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging China's experience and resources to accelerate Vietnam's infrastructure development, further strengthening the economic ties between the two neighboring countries.