The leader and general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee praised Trong’s contributions to the cause of Socialism in Vietnam and recalled how over the past decade the two developed close contact and camaraderie.

“The passing of Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong has deprived us of a promoter of China-Vietnam relations and a comrade for the cause of socialism, and we are deeply saddened,” he said.

He emphasized that the CPV and the Chinese government firmly support the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in leading the people to develop socialism suited to national conditions.

Xi also expressed optimism about the future of Vietnam and the ability of the people and the VCP to bounce back, continue the leader’s legacy, and make new achievements in reform, opening up, and building socialism.

In a message the day before, the CPC Central Committee reiterated that Hanoi is a priority in its neighborly diplomacy and is willing to work together to consolidate mutual political trust, and strengthen solidarity and cooperation.

A special statement to declare national mourning on Nguyen Phu Trong’s death was released today in the Vietnamese capital.

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