China and Vietnam share a unique bond of "comrades and brothers", which remains vital for shaping bilateral relations and advancing socialist modernization in an increasingly uncertain global landscape, the top Vietnamese envoy to China has said.

Against the backdrop of the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh reflected not only on his own party journey, but also what he believes continues to bind the two countries today.

"It was actually in Beijing that I completed my probationary period and became a full member of the Communist Party of Vietnam," Pham told China Daily, recalling the experience of serving his first diplomatic post in China nearly three decades ago.

Looking back, Pham said his years in China have allowed him to witness the country's remarkable transformation firsthand — a perspective that has deepened his understanding of the ties between the two neighboring socialist countries.

"Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have achieved remarkable accomplishments in national liberation and socialist construction, reform and opening-up, and modernization," he said.

For Pham, the relationship between the two countries continues to draw strength from a bond often described as "comrades and brothers".

In his view, that spirit goes far beyond mere historical legacy. "It remains a vital source of strategic mutual trust" and an important foundation for contemporary bilateral ties.

"In today's rapidly changing and uncertain global landscape, such long-standing trust has become even more significant," he said. "It enables our two parties and countries to engage in candid dialogue, manage differences in a constructive manner, and deepen cooperation based on mutual respect and common interests."

The ambassador said both countries are pursuing socialist modernization based on their own national conditions while sharing a commitment to improving people's wellbeing.

"The greatest value of the relationship lies in our capacity to translate our traditional friendship and political trust into tangible, high-quality benefits for our peoples," he said.

That vision, he said, was reaffirmed during the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese President To Lam's state visit to China in April this year, which further strengthened political trust and expanded practical cooperation between the two countries.

The high-level engagement set out a clear strategic roadmap to accelerate infrastructure and railway connectivity, economic and trade ties, and digital transformation, Pham said.

These areas, he said, directly support the modernization goals of both countries while creating new opportunities for their peoples.

The momentum is evident in bilateral trade. China remains Vietnam's largest trading partner, while Vietnam is China's largest trading partner within ASEAN.

According to Chinese customs data, the total volume of bilateral trade in goods surpassed the historic milestone of $290 billion in 2025, reflecting an increasingly integrated supply chain.

But for Pham, the relationship cannot be measured by trade figures alone. The ambassador believes the next chapter of bilateral ties will be written not only by governments, but also by younger generations.

More than 1,000 young people from Vietnam have participated in youth exchange programs since the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges was launched last year, when both countries celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations, he said, adding that the number is expected to continue growing.

"They are not only exploring and learning about the traditional friendship in the old days, nurtured by the old generations, but also have the chance to see a very modernized, very developed and very vibrant China," he said. "It will be very helpful for them when they're back" to contribute to Vietnam's development.

As China embarks on a new journey, Pham extended his congratulations to the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people.

"May the traditional friendship and cooperation between our two parties and nations grow," Pham said.

"We look forward to further deepening our inter-party exchanges, enhancing theoretical and practical sharing on party building and state governance, and enriching our comprehensive cooperation," he added.

Liu Tianyun contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at shaoxinying@chinadaily.com.cn