Process of normalizing the relation with China under the reform of foreign policy of The Communist Party of Vietnam (1986-1991)

Abstract

At the 6^th National Congress (from Dec. 5, 1986 to Dec. 18, 1986), the Communist Party of Vietnam pointed out a new policy of fundamental renovation for the whole country, among which foreign diplomacy was one issue. Particularly for China, the Communist Party of Vietnam aimed to accelerate the normalization process of Vietnam-China relationships. To successfully carry out the policy, Vietnamese Communist Party had been taking actions proposing negotiations to normalize relationships and to ease tensions between the two countries since 1986; however, China then did not want to. Until 1989, the world faced many changes. As a result, tense relationships between Vietnam and China were no longer suitable with the trends of peace and cooperation in international and regional relationships. China then continued peace talks with Vietnam, and in November 1991, the two countries set up normal relationships with each other.