"The only country in the world that looks down on China is Vietnam." At first glance, this sentence sounds like one of those eye-catching titles found online, but it originates from a Vietnamese scholar, which prompts reflection.
Although this statement seems somewhat absolute, it also reflects the subtlety and complexity of China-Vietnam relations from one perspective.
The two countries are not only geographically connected, but their cultures also share deep roots, intertwined throughout history, making the term "comrades and brothers" quite fitting.
However, in reality, the relationship between the two nations has not always been harmonious; friction, contradictions, and even conflicts have long left profound marks in the course of history.
Nowadays, when you open your phone, an overwhelming amount of information floods in, with trending events and entertainment news dazzling us, as it seems everyone is discussing fashionable terms like "metaverse" and "W30."
How long has it been since you heard someone seriously discuss Vietnam?
This neighboring country, which has countless ties to China, seems to be gradually fading from the sight of the younger generation.
Perhaps now is the time to reassess Vietnam.
Looking back through history, the story between China and Vietnam can be traced back to ancient times.
As early as the Qin Dynasty, northern Vietnam was incorporated into the Chinese realm, marking the beginning of a thousand-year vassal relationship.
During this process, the political systems and cultural customs of the Central Plains profoundly influenced this land; the marks of Chinese civilization are evident everywhere, from the magnificent Forbidden City to exquisite porcelain.
In modern times, with the invasion of Western powers, the fates of China and Vietnam have undergone tremendous changes.
Vietnam became a French colony, suffering severe oppression, while China also fell into the abyss of semi-colonialism and feudalism.
This shared experience of suffering intensified the peoples' desire for independence and liberation.
After World War II, under the leadership of Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnamese people endured a hard struggle, ultimately driving out the French colonizers and achieving national unity.
However, the joy of this victory did not last long, as the shadow of the Cold War loomed over this war-torn land.
The outbreak of the Vietnam War drew the United States deeply into the conflict, while China and the Soviet Union provided significant support to Vietnam.
As international circumstances changed, the relationship between China and Vietnam gradually turned confrontational.
In the late 1970s, war broke out along the China-Vietnam border, plunging the relationship between the two nations into a low point.
This war not only brought immense suffering to the peoples of both countries but also became an indelible chapter in the history of their relationship.
After the reform and opening up, China experienced rapid economic development, and Vietnam also began its own path of reform, leading to a gradual warming of relations between the two nations.
Despite this, the issues left by history, the entanglements of real interests, and ideological differences continue to stand as obstacles between the two countries.
The South China Sea dispute has become one of the important factors influencing China-Vietnam relations.
In recent years, nationalism has risen within Vietnam, with some expressing dissatisfaction towards China's stance on South China Sea issues, leading to some extreme remarks and actions.
For the younger generation in China, most have not experienced those war-torn years; their understanding of Vietnam mainly comes from history textbooks and films.
They might know that Vietnam is a neighbor of China, aware of its history as a French colony and the stories of the Vietnam War, but they know little about the real lives of the Vietnamese people.
In the eyes of some young Chinese, Vietnam appears to be a backward, impoverished, and anti-Chinese country. They prefer to focus on developed Western nations, lacking interest and understanding of Vietnam.
This stereotype undoubtedly deepens the divide between the peoples of the two countries.
However, more and more young Chinese are beginning to attempt to view Vietnam from a more objective and rational perspective.
Through travel, studying abroad, and work, they engage with the Vietnamese people, experiencing the charm of Vietnamese culture and its dynamic development.
As interdependent neighbors, friendly cooperation between China and Vietnam aligns with the fundamental interests of both nations and their peoples.
The traumas of history should not become stumbling blocks to the development of bilateral relations; the challenges in reality require both peoples to join hands and move forward together.
In the days ahead, whether China-Vietnam relations can improve further will depend on how the peoples of both countries transcend the shadows of history and embrace a shared future.
Only through communication and cooperation can these two nations, with their rich cultural and historical ties, jointly face new opportunities and challenges.
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