China, Vietnam agree to manage differences on South China Sea

China and Vietnam issued a joint communique, pledging to manage maritime differences and safeguard the peace and stability of the South China Sea.

According to the communique issued on Saturday, China and Vietnam had "a candid exchange of views" on maritime issues, Xinhua news agency reported.

Both countries pledged to seek basic and long-term solutions that both sides can accept via negotiation, and discuss transitional solutions that will not affect each other's stance including the research of joint development, it said.

Both sides agreed to manage maritime differences and avoid any acts that may complicate the situation and escalate tensions so as to safeguard peace and stability of the South China Sea, said the communique.

The communique was issued as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong paid a four-day official visit to China since Thursday.

During Trong's four-day visit, he met with five of the seven members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

According to the communique, the two countries agreed that it was of great importance and strategic guidance to bilateral ties that the high-level officials of both countries and parties, especially the top leaders of the two countries, maintain frequent contact.

Both sides also encouraged cooperation on economy and trade, defense, security and law enforcement, cultural, youth and local areas.

Vietnam supports and will actively participate in a summit forum on the international cooperation along the Belt and Road to be hosted by China in 2017, said the communique.

--IANS

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