President Xi Jinping of China arrived in Vietnam, on Tuesday, for his first visit in six years, aiming to counteract the increasing interference and influence of the United States in the region.

Xi is scheduled to hold talks with Nguyen Phu Trong, the leader of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party, following Hanoi's enhancement of diplomatic relations with Washington during the visit of US President Joe Biden in September.

Biden's trip was reportedly a component of broader US initiatives globally aimed at "managing China's increasing economic influence and securing essential materials for advanced manufacturing."

Vietnam has consistently followed a strategy of "bamboo diplomacy", aiming to maintain positive relations with both major powers.

Vietnam and China currently enjoy a "comprehensive strategic partnership," which is Vietnam's highest diplomatic status. In September, Hanoi and Washington elevated their relationship to the same level. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin mentioned that the visit would involve discussions aimed at elevating China-Vietnam relations.

This could involve Xi advocating for Vietnam's inclusion in his "Community of Common Destiny," a concept referring to a vision of future collaboration on economic, security, and political matters.

 "Asia's future is in the hands of no one but Asians"

An article in Vietnam's Nhan Dan newspaper on Tuesday featured Xi expressing the view that "Asia's destiny is in the hands of no one but Asians." Wang outlined the agenda for Xi's visit, encompassing "political, security, practical cooperation, public opinion formation, multilateral issues, and maritime concerns."

The route from the airport to central Hanoi was adorned with both Chinese and Vietnamese flags on Tuesday. A crowd of well-wishers, waving flags from both nations, assembled outside the hotel where Xi is anticipated to stay.

On Wednesday, Xi is scheduled to engage in discussions with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President Vo Van Thuong.

The visit occurs amid heightened tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, marked by confrontations between their vessels at contentious reefs. The Philippines, expressing concern, summoned China's envoy on Monday, considering the possibility of expulsion. 

The big picture

Analysts suggest that Xi might aim to strengthen collaboration on rare earth minerals essential for manufacturing high-tech devices, such as smartphones and electric car batteries.

Vietnamese state-controlled media recently reported that China Rare Earth Group Co. is exploring opportunities to collaborate with Vietnam's mining giant Vinacomin.

In September, the United States and Vietnam agreed to cooperate in assessing and developing Vietnam's rare earth resources. This partnership also encompassed an agreement on semiconductors, reflecting the US' fear of its dependence on China for critical resources.

On Sunday, US chip giant Nvidia expressed interest in establishing a presence in Vietnam to foster its semiconductor industry, as per the Vietnamese government's statement.

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