A shared future

Speaking about technology, Duong Thi Thanh Hien pointed to her Huawei smartwatch and said, "I really like Huawei products — they are very high quality. I also have a Xiaomi robot vacuum cleaner at home. These Chinese brands are very popular in Vietnam."

But her connection to China goes beyond tech. She grew up watching Chinese TV series like Journey to the West and Dream of the Red Chamber and listening to artists like Hong Kong's Eason Chan and Taiwan's Rene Liu Ruoying.

She believes that the cultures and lifestyles of Chinese and Vietnamese youth are more similar than many people realize.

"Most importantly, the mindset and spirit of young people in both countries are very much alike — we are ambitious, unafraid to dream big, and ready to take action. We all believe in working hard to build a better future," she said.

That same spirit is embodied by Yuan Jiali from Liupanshui, Guizhou. A Vietnamese major at Guizhou Minzu University, she recently completed a yearlong exchange program in Da Nang, Vietnam.

During her stay, she discovered the country's many charms — its stunning landscapes, warmhearted people, and vibrant economy.

"There truly is no barrier between the people of our two countries," she said. "With growing cultural exchanges and economic ties, there is a strong demand for professionals fluent in both languages. I feel drawn to this field and am considering working in Vietnam in the future."

Zhong Yutong, from Nanchang, Jiangxi province, and a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University, is an active participant in cross-cultural exchange programs. On July 6, he hosted a youth panel focused on promoting connection and mutual learning between China and Vietnam.

He believes that the two countries have undergone similar historical experiences and now face comparable opportunities and challenges — making collaboration between them crucial for building a shared future.

On the final day of the event, young participants from both countries issued a joint proposal calling on their generation to take responsibility for strengthening bilateral relations and pursuing common development goals.

"We fully recognize that the achievements of China-Vietnam friendship stem from the unity and cooperation between our peoples. It is vital for young people not only to benefit from this bond but also to contribute to its continued growth," the proposal stated.

"We urge the youth of both countries to seize opportunities, confront challenges across various fields, embrace innovation, and lead with courage."