Vietnamese, Chinese customs boost cooperation against smuggling
in the first half of 2025, Vietnam’s customs sector handled 8,561 violations, with a total goods value exceeding 13.6 trillion VND (517.79 million USD). In border areas with China alone, 1,588 smuggling cases involving 59 billion VND were detected.
At the 17th Vietnam – China customs cooperation conference on anti-smuggling in HCM City from August 12-14 (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – The Department of Customs has chaired the 17th Vietnam – China customs cooperation conference on anti-smuggling in HCM City from August 12-14, aiming to improve the effectiveness of goods control and anti-smuggling efforts between the two countries.
Vu Quang Toan, head of the department’s anti-smuggling investigation division, said the two sides have so far expanded cooperation in multiple areas, including land, sea, and air routes as well as cross-border e-commerce, gradually building a systematic and effective coordination mechanism to combat cross-border smuggling.
At this year’s conference, they discussed in detail key topics such as the smuggling of cigarettes, the application of digital transformation in customs control for cross-border e-commerce, and cooperation against maritime smuggling.
According to Toan, in the first half of 2025, Vietnam’s customs sector handled 8,561 violations, with a total goods value exceeding 13.6 trillion VND (517.79 million USD). In border areas with China alone, 1,588 smuggling cases involving 59 billion VND were detected. Common violations included exploiting goods in transit to hide prohibited items, fraudulent origin labeling, concealing goods in specialised vehicles, and falsifying customs documents.
A highlight of the conference was the high consensus on continuing to promote the Operation Mekong Dragon – a joint initiative between the Vietnamese and Chinese customs, which has led to more than 4,500 cases involving drugs and wildlife, with large quantities of contraband seized.
The two sides also proposed future cooperation directions, including enhancing information exchange on customs control operations, technical coordination, applying advanced technologies and AI in anti-smuggling and trade fraud prevention, and expanding cooperation to border localities with high smuggling risks.
Sun Zhijie, Director General of the Chinese General Administration of Customs’ Anti-Smuggling Bureau, praised the cooperation results, especially in anti-smuggling over recent years. He expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the partnership, and affirmed China’s commitment to continued close coordination in professional operations, building strategic trust, and strengthening joint work.
🐲 At the conference, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in developing professional exchanges between their technical contact points./.
This grassroots synergy — powered by digital platforms, complementary industries and cultural affinity — has fueled a robust partnership between the two countries. China has remained Vietnam's largest trading partner for over two decades, while Vietnam is China's top trading partner within ASEAN. Bilateral trade exceeded 260 billion USD in 2024.
The exercise, running from July 21-30, mobilised 140 officers and soldiers from both sides, together with more than 20 vehicles and over 170 pieces of equipment.
The Lao Party, Government, and public security force have always recognised that the achievements and victories of the force during the struggle for national liberation and in the current period of protecting and developing the country are closely linked to the solidarity and valuable assistance of its Vietnamese counterpart.
Noting the strategic significance of connecting the Vietnam–China railway connectivity, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha said that routes such as Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong, Hanoi–Lang Son, and Hanoi–Mong Cai will enhance logistics efficiency, promote socio-economic development in localities of both countries, and contribute to improving Vietnam’s operational capacity and access to modern railway technology.
Ambassador Kees van Baar affirmed that the Netherlands will work with several international organisations to support Vietnam in sustainable water resource management, environmental impact assessment, knowledge and experience sharing, and provision of both grant aid and loans.
Vietnam and Thailand discussed the situation and outcomes of their coordination in drug prevention and control; shared experience in implementing drug rehabilitation and demand reduction; and made recommendations for cooperation to enhance capacity in combating and preventing crimes, drug forensics, tracing the origins of drugs, and carrying out rehabilitation work in the coming time.
General Secretary Lam and CPP President Hun Sen informed each other about the situation of each Party and country; exchanged views on regional and international developments, relations between the two Parties and countries, and issues of mutual concern. They also reviewed and assessed the results of bilateral cooperation, and agreed on key directions to further deepen the relationship.
Party chief To Lam's state visit to the RoK helped deepen political trust, strengthen the good personal relations between the two countries' high-ranking leaders, and deepen the Vietnam–RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan said the Han and Red Rivers - each with its historic miracle - should now converge on a “sea of prosperity,” with both nations setting sail together toward industrial growth, energy advancement, and technological innovation.
Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane said Vietnam's historical achievements serve as tremendous encouragement and motivation for Laos, fueling its national development efforts.
Vietnam always stands ready to engage in frank and constructive discussions with the US on remaining differences to enhance mutual understanding, contributing positively to the development of the Vietnam – US comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
The All People's Security Safeguard Festival in Tuyen Quang province, the consolidation of the national steering committee for the implementation of Vietnam’s commitments at COP26, and the banking sector's completion of a comprehensive review of all customer records are among news highlights on August 14.
The visit will be made at the invitation of Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and his spouse, according to an announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The meeting approved the list of official and alternate delegates for the NA’s first Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term. It also endorsed the criteria, number, structure, and proposed allocation of personnel of the NA delegation to attend the 14th National Party Congress slated for early 2026.
The Party leader expressed his confidence that with a proud revolutionary tradition and new momentum, Tuyen Quang will seize opportunities, fully unlock its potential, and confidently contribute to national development goals and the journey toward socialism.
As a coastal nation with strategic and economic interests closely tied to peace and security in the East Sea, Vietnam affirmed its consistent position of resolving all disputes via peaceful means in accordance with international laws, including the UNCLOS.
Anjuska Marija Weil, President of the Switzerland–Vietnam Friendship Association, has shown her great pride to witness the strong growth of Vietnam - a nation she and her Swiss comrades once campaigned passionately for its peace and justice.
Party General Secretary To Lam praised Tuyen Quang’s launch of the “all-people’s security proection” movement in recent years, particularly in Tan Trao, a locality rich with revolutionary tradition. The movement has been integrated into broader pushes for advanced new rural development, preservation of ethnic cultural heritage, protection of upstream forests, and promotion of “red tourism” tied to revolutionary sites, all while maintaining public safety and order.
The event came ahead of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19), National Day (September 2), and the traditional day of the People's Public Security Force, and the 20th anniversary of "All people's protecting national security" festival.
Over the past 80 years, the consular and citizen protection work has achieved significant results, contributing to the overall success of external affairs and earning recognition from the Party, State, and people.
The visit offered a chance to convey Vietnam’s commitment to building a prosperous nation and attracting international resources to meet development goals in a new era, helping to enhance political trust and elevate the substantive cooperation between Vietnam and the RoK.
