Vietnamese and Chinese youth: Bridging cultures, strengthening friendship
The Vietnamese and Chinese youth from across generations are actively playing the role of cultural ambassadors, building up the bridge of friendship between the two nations.
Participants at the gathering of generations of Vietnamese and Chinese students in Hanoi on March 20. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnamese and Chinese youth from across generatiܫons are actively playing the role of cultural ambassadors, building up the bridge of friendship between the two nations.
At a gathering of generations of Vietnamese and Chinese students held in Hanoi on March 20, alumni member MA Tran Thien Tu captivated the audience with a moving performance of the Vietnamese folk song "Beo Dat May Troi", elegantly sung in Chinese.
Once a famous child actress, Tran Thien Tu, a Vietnamese woman passionate about the Chinese language and culture, has gained widespread popularity on social media, particularly on TikTok, where she performs Vietnamese songs with Chinese lyrics.
Gifted in both languages and the arts, Tu received a scholarship to Shandong Art Institute in China after graduating from high school in 2009. In 2010, after returning to Vietnam to study at the University of Languages and International Studies under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU Hanoi), she won first prize in the 9th Chinese Bridge competition. In 2011, she secured a full-funded scholarship to gain a Bachelor’s degree on language and culture at the Chinese Language and Culture College of the Beijing Normal University. She later chose to study at the Central Academy of Drama in China to deepen her understanding of the Chinese culture and performing arts.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, she launched her TikTok channel, sharing videos of her performing famous Vietnamese songs in Chinese, aiming to connect with audiences passionate about music and translation. With her stage name “Tu Man Thau” (Tu the steamed bun), she quickly became beloved for her charming voice, endearing style, and meticulous lyric translations. Her videos always feature lyrics in Chinese characters, pinyin, with Vietnamese subtitles.
Speaking at the gathering, Thien Tu expressed hope of being a small brick in the foundation of a great bridge connecting the two nations.
Also at the event, Dr. Huang Xiao Long, a linguist, shared her aspiration to contribute to fostering the Vietnam - China friendship. Originally from Guangxi, which borders Vietnam, she has long admired the elegance and grace of Vietnamese women in their Ao Dai (Vietnam’s traditional long dress).
In 2009, she came to Vietnam under an academic exchange programme between the Guangxi University for Nationalities and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi. She pursued a Master’s degree in 2011 and later earned a doctorate in 2018 from the same institution.
Having spent years living in Hanoi, Long has witnessed the city’s transformation firsthand. Upon returning to China, she intends to continue her career in education, teaching Vietnamese to Chinese students. She hopes to inspire young generations to uphold the Vietnam - China friendship, thus contributing to solidarity in Asia-Pacific.
Another inspiring story is that of Bao Shen (born in 2003), a student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi, who developed a deep love for the Vietnamese culture during his high school years. A trip to Nha Trang allowed him to experience Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes and the warmth of its people, sparking his determination to explore the Vietnamese culture further.
Hailing from Zhejiang province, Bao Shen made the bold decision to study Vietnamese at the Yunnan Minzu University, located 2,000 km away from his hometown.
Bao Shen (born in 2003), a student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Since arriving in Vietnam, he has passionately immersed himself in the Vietnamese culture, starting with the first song he ever heard, “Chiec Khan Pieu”. Today, he has developed a broad knowledge of Vietnam’s traditional performing arts, including cheo (a type of traditional opera), tuong (classical drama), cai luong (reformed opera), and quan ho (love duet) folk singing.
"I find that Vietnamese literary and artistic works strongly reflect the tolerance and kindness of Vietnamese people. What makes the Vietnamese culture unique is its ability to blend Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian influences while maintaining its distinct identity," Bao Shen noted.
Although he has only been in Vietnam for four months, Bao Shen already feels a deep connection with the country. He particularly appreciates Vietnamese cuisine for its light and healthy flavours, which he finds similar to the culinary traditions of his hometown in Zhejiang./.
The Vietnamese Party and State highly value the consolidation and strengthening of traditional friendship and cooperation with Chinese counterparts, considering it a top priority and a strategic choice in Vietnam’s foreign policy, said newly-appointed Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh.
The event served as an academic forum among researchers, education managers and lecturers from both countries. Discussions delved into how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform higher education, and explored solutions to ensure the sustainable and effective development of higher education systems in the modern era.
Both sides pledged to boost cooperation in tourism, education, and healthcare while reinforcing border security and safety. They vowed to support a crackdown on cybercrime, drug trafficking, counterfeit currency smuggling, human trafficking, and transnational crime in the region. They will also team up to tackle illegal immigration and disease prevention, ensuring border safety and socio-economic development for communities of both sides.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
