Smoother waters? China and Vietnam vow to ‘better’ navigate South China Sea disputes

Beijing and Hanoi have bolstered their commitment to demarcation talks over a contested stretch of water in the China-sea" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="8346" data-entity-type="location">South China Sea, pledging to “better” navigate bilateral frictions in the area, according to a joint communique.The document also said the countries’ ruling communist parties had agreed to shore up each other’s leadership at home with the adoption of a new five-year action plan.Published on Friday as To Lam, Vietnam’s top leader, wrapped up his four-day visit to China, the communique said both sides “need to better manage and actively resolve disagreements at sea” while safeguarding peace and stability in the China-sea" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="8346" data-entity-type="location">South China Sea, which Hanoi refers to as the East Sea.