China ready to expand railway, power connectivity with Vietnam: PM

China is prepared to strengthen railway cooperation and enhance power grid connectivity with Vietnam, thereby expanding logistics corridors, trade links, and energy cooperation, said Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a phone talk with his Vietnamese counterpart Le Minh Hung on Monday.

The call marked the first direct exchange between the two leaders following the first session of Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly, which finalized the country's new government leadership.

Strengthening infrastructure connectivity

According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both leaders highly valued the recent progress in bilateral relations. Among the areas of economic cooperation discussed, infrastructure connectivity, particularly railways and power systems, was identified as a priority.

Prime Minister Hung proposed that the two countries accelerate infrastructure integration, develop a multimodal transportation network, prioritize railway cooperation, and strengthen connectivity with other countries and regions.

He also called for promoting bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner, putting smart border gate models into operation at an early date, establishing cross-border economic cooperation zones, and facilitating trade, investment and manufacturing cooperation.

Agreeing with Vietnam’s proposals, Premier Li stated that China is ready to deepen railway cooperation and improve connectivity with other countries and regions.

China is also willing to promote linkages in industries and agricultural trade, inspection and quarantine cooperation, while encouraging reputable and capable enterprises to expand high-quality investment in Vietnam, particularly in science, technology, and innovation.

Notably, Premier Li emphasized that both sides would strengthen cooperation in energy security and power grid connectivity.

Three railway corridors connecting to China

Premier Li’s commitment comes as Vietnam-China railway cooperation is moving beyond strategic discussions toward planning, feasibility studies, and project implementation.

The immediate focus is the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway, which will connect China’s railway network at Lao Cai province with northern Vietnam’s economic centers and the Lach Huyen port area in Hai Phong city.

According to the approved plan, the main line will be approximately 390.9 kilometers long, with an additional 27.9 kilometers of branch lines, using the standard gauge of 1,435 mm. The railway will serve both passenger and freight transport, with a maximum operating speed of 160 km/h along most of the route.

The project will pass through Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, and Hai Phong, with a total investment of around VND203.2 trillion ($7.73 billion). It will be funded through public investment and is targeted for completion by 2030 at the latest.

Several station components of the project broke ground in late 2025. By March 2026, the Chinese side had delivered a preliminary feasibility study report to Vietnam.

At the same time, authorities from both countries signed agreements on technical assistance for planning two additional standard-gauge railway lines: Dong Dang-Hanoi and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong.

Initial studies indicate that the Dong Dang-Hanoi line will stretch approximately 145 km within Vietnam, linking the Lang Son border area with Gia Lam Station in Hanoi. The Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong line will be nearly 175 km long, connecting China’s railway network with seaport and industrial zones in Quang Ninh and Hai Phong.

Both lines will be built to the 1,435 mm standard gauge, designed for speeds of up to 160 km/h and mixed passenger and freight services.

Power connectivity to meet northern Vietnam’s energy demand

Although Premier Li’s remarks on “power connectivity” remained relatively broad, the issue is significant given that Vietnam continues to import electricity from China, especially during the peak summer in northern regions.

Vietnam began importing electricity from China in 2004 through the 110 kV Lao Cai-Hekou transmission line. Since then, both sides have developed additional 220 kV and 110 kV transmission lines through Lao Cai, Ha Giang, and Mong Cai to increase cross-border power exchange capacity.

The need for stronger electricity interconnection has become more prominent as power demand in northern Vietnam continues to grow rapidly. Peak demand in the northern power system increased by 9.7% in 2025 and by about 10% during the first three months of 2026. Full-year growth in 2026 is projected to reach as high as 12.8%.

In this context, electricity imports from China could serve as an important supplementary source during periods of high demand, alongside domestic power generation and electricity imports from Laos.

Railway and power connectivity are two key components of a broader economic cooperation agenda currently being advanced by Vietnam and China.

During the call, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung also proposed the early operation of smart border gates, the development of cross-border economic cooperation zones, and expanded collaboration in science-technology, education, high-quality workforce training, health care, culture, and tourism.

Premier Li Qiang stated that China is ready to promote agricultural trade and cooperation in inspection and quarantine procedures.

The two government leaders also agreed to coordinate efforts to ensure the success of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting 2026 and 2027, respectively hosted by China and Vietnam.

They pledged to better manage differences, maintain peace and stability at sea, and strengthen a favorable environment for the development of both countries.