Vietnam's To Lam Plans China Visit Next Week After Becoming President

Vietnam's top leader To Lam is planning a visit to China next week to meet President Xi Jinping, three sources told Reuters. The diplomatic trip would happen shortly after Lam's elevation to the state presidency.

Lam recently won Vietnam's presidency and expanded his power within the country's leadership structure. Vietnam's parliament elected the party leader to the new state president role on April 7, 2026.

The planned China visit signals Vietnam's continued focus on maintaining strong diplomatic ties with its northern neighbor. China is Vietnam's largest trading partner, but the two countries have had disputes over territory in the South China Sea.

This would be one of Lam's first major international trips as president. The timing suggests Vietnam wants to quickly strengthen its relationship with China under the new leadership.

Details about the specific agenda and duration of the visit have not been released. The meeting between the two leaders could cover trade agreements, regional security issues, and diplomatic cooperation.