Chongqing - Vietnam and China, with similar historical backgrounds and parallel political systems, have undergone significant transitions from planned economies to market economies. The two nations share more common ground than one might think.

Nguyen Vinh Quang, formerly a senior advisor at Vietnam's Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies, is keenly interested in researching China even after relinquishing his position. He is known as a "China expert" with a deep understanding of China's diverse facets.

Bridging News met Nguyen Vinh Quang at his office in Hanoi on July 20. (Photo/Kenny Dong)

"Similar to China, Vietnam's economic achievement today stems from our own unique path," he stated.

Nguyen is also an accomplished translator, having translated several key Chinese theoretical works, including Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, The Legal System of China, and Turn and Innovation of Socialism. He emphasizes his fascination with the theoretical growth of the Communist Party of China (CPC), as Vietnam often learns from its neighbor, a dimension often overlooked by international political analysts when discussing China and Vietnam.

In terms of developmental stages, China and various Southeast Asian nations are in similar phases. Over the past decade, since China raised the Belt and Road Initiative, collaborations in infrastructure and trade have deepened between Southeast Asian countries and China. 

Vietnamese couple chose to take a wedding photo in the railway station. (Photo/China Railway Sixth Group Vietnam Company)

The green color of Hanoi urban rail transit resembles Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2. (Photo/China Railway Sixth Group Vietnam Company)

Reporters note that the Hanoi urban rail transit's design, route coloring, and interior layout resemble China's metro systems. This similarity arises from the fact that the rail project was undertaken by a Chinese company, adhering to Chinese standards across specifications, construction techniques, equipment materials, supervision, and operational management.

According to Vu Hong Truong, a representative of Hanoi Metro, the project's impact on enhancing urban transportation and regional economic development is crucial. The railway contributes significantly to urban spatial development.

"Moreover, the railway is environmentally friendly. Given these advantages, other Vietnamese cities have ample reason to emulate Hanoi's example and invest in more urban rail transit systems," Vu Hong Truong said.

Hydropower Project gaining an excellent local reputation

The Vietnam Seo Chong Ho Hydropower Plant in Sapa of Lao Cai Province represents Vietnam's first foreign-invested hydropower project. It fuels urban development, elevates local living standards, and strengthens friendship between Vietnamese and Chinese communities.

Seo Chong Ho Hydropower Plant was deemed a demonstration project for Chinese investment in Vietnam. (Photo/Vietnam-China Power Investment)

Northern Vietnam had long struggled with power shortages. Prior to the hydropower plant's construction, Sapa frequently faced power outages during rain and thunderstorms. Victoria Hotel, the best hotel in the area had to rely on backup generators to avoid disruptions. This situation changed only after the hydropower plant began operation in 2012. 

The deputy director of Sapa's economy department noted that apart from stabilizing the power supply, the Vietnamese-Chinese joint venture also renovated rural roads, improving residents' quality of life.

Penstocks were installed on the ridges for the hydropower plant. (Photo/Vietnam-China Power Investment)

The Vietnam-China Power Investment Co., Ltd developed the hydropower plant project, a joint investment between China Southern Power Grid Yunnan International Co Ltd (49%) and Northern Electricity Corporation of Vietnam (51%). Vietnamese and Chinese employees of the company have built strong friendships through their long-term collaboration, extending beyond work.

Le Thi My Van, a member of the administrative department at the company, has a special connection to the project. Joining the company in 2007, she found a fulfilling job and met her life partner there. 

The project helped her overcome language barriers as she frequently interacted with Chinese colleagues, sparking meaningful exchanges and fostering cross-cultural relationships. As Le Thi My Van recalls, her Chinese colleagues were eager diners of her husband's Chinese cuisine, often visiting her home for meals.

In December 2019, shareholders from both China and Vietnam approved the expansion of the Seo Chong Ho Hydropower Plant. Construction commenced on June 29, 2021. Upon completion, the plant's power generation capacity during low water periods is expected to increase by around 8 million kilowatt-hours, resulting in a 12% annual rise in electricity output.