China-Vietnam border gate upgraded to international status

The Shuikou-Ta Lung international border port between China and Vietnam started operations on Friday, marking a significant upgrade in cross-border infrastructure between the two countries.

Located in Longzhou County, Chongzuo City, in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shuikou Port is one of Guangxi's earliest trade gateways with Vietnam.

Its elevation to an international-class port is expected to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade between China, Vietnam, and other ASEAN member states.

Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin paid a visit to Bulgaria from Saturday to Monday, during which she met respectively with Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova and Prime Minister Rumen Radev, and held talks with Deputy Prime Minister Galab Donev.

During the meetings, Shen gave a brief account of China's achievements in economic and social development, as well as livelihood priorities listed in China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

China highly values the development of China-Bulgaria relations and is willing to intensify exchanges and cooperation with Bulgaria across various fields, including politics, economy, people's livelihood and culture, strengthen multilateral dialogue and coordination, and push for greater development of the China-Bulgaria strategic partnership, Shen said.

Speaking highly of Bulgaria-China relations, the Bulgarian leaders said that there is great potential for bilateral cooperation in various fields, and that the Bulgarian side is ready to work with China to further enrich the bilateral strategic partnership and yield more fruits in mutually beneficial cooperation.

During her visit, Shen and Donev jointly witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on inter-departmental cooperation between the Chinese Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Bulgarian Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.