China’s defence minister in Vietnam on first overseas trip since shaking off corruption claims
Dong Jun meets the head of the Vietnamese Communist Party in Hanoi on visit to mark military anniversary
China’s defence ministry said on Friday that Dong was in the Vietnamese capital to attend celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army. It is not known how long he will be in the country.
In his meeting with Dong on Thursday, party general secretary To Lam called for expanded cooperation in training, ideology and border defence with China’s military.
To Lam praised defence cooperation between China and Vietnam as “increasingly practical and effective”, according to a Vietnam News Agency report.
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The two countries’ militaries should step up exchanges at all levels and explore new areas for potential cooperation, he reportedly told Dong.