Image Credits - Global Times
Xi Jinping, the Chinese President and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended a solemn ceremony at the Vietnamese Embassy in Beijing on Saturday to express condolences for the passing of Nguyen Phu Trong, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). Nguyen Phu Trong, who had been critically ill, died in Hanoi on the afternoon of Friday, July 19, at the age of 80.
The death of Nguyen Phu Trong marks a significant moment in Vietnamese politics, occurring amid a series of unexpected events at the highest levels of the state apparatus. His demise had been anticipated by the political community, with rumours circulating about his declining health since the previous day. Some experts suggest that Trong may have passed away as early as Thursday.
On the day of his death, all members of the Vietnamese Political Bureau visited him at his hospital bedside, where he was awarded the Gold Star, Vietnam’s highest distinction, for his services to the nation. This gesture underscored the profound respect and admiration he commanded within the party and the country.
Nguyen Phu Trong’s passing leaves a considerable void in the leadership of Vietnam. He was a pivotal figure in the country’s political landscape, known for his contributions to the party’s ideological direction and governance. His death is expected to trigger significant shifts within the CPV and could impact the broader political dynamics in the region.
Xi Jinping’s visit to the Vietnamese Embassy to offer condolences highlights the deep ties and mutual respect between China and Vietnam. This moment of mourning underscores the close relationship between the two nations, even as they navigate their respective political landscapes.