The fruits

Border defense, economy and people-to-people exchanges were also covered by a series of documents and agreements signed during the visit, including an action plan for implementing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Qi Jianguo, a former Chinese ambassador to Vietnam, said the achievements show a sound basis for bilateral relationships, which depend on "a good control of disputed issues".

"Both sides should accumulate mutual trust for an early resolution of relevant issues," Qi said.

High-ranking bilateral contacts at different levels have gathered momentum in recent years.

In 2012, the two ministries of defense conducted the Sixth Defense Consultation.

On March 21, Vietnam's Party general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Xi Jinping, China's Party chief, talked on a hotline for the first time.

Vice-Premier Ma Kai met with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh in early June in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan province, stressing the fundamental interests of both countries to increase pragmatic cooperation and seek common prosperity.

China is Vietnam's biggest trading partner, while Vietnam is the fifth-largest trading partner to China among the ASEAN countries.