The “Viet Nam–China Friendship Songs 2026” art exchange programme took place at the Voice of Viet Nam (VOV) Theatre, at 58 Quan Su Street, Ha Noi, October 30, featuring artists from Viet Nam and China.
The event is part of an annual cooperation initiative between the VOV and Chinese radio and television organisations, building on the success of similar programmes held in 2024 and 2025.
This year's programme once again provided a vibrant platform for cultural and artistic exchange, where familiar melodies served as a bridge connecting people and strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.
Addressing the event, Deputy Director General of VOV Ngo Minh Hien emphasised that Viet Nam and China are close neighbours, connected by mountains and rivers, with a long history of cultural exchanges.
According to the VOV Deputy Director General, culture and music possess a unique power. As universal languages that transcend borders, they can bridge geographical distances and bring like-minded people closer together.
For Viet Nam and China, cultural exchanges not only strengthen the bonds of friendship but also serve as an important source of internal strength, fostering mutual understanding, respect and trust.
In particular, amid accelerating digital transformation and international integration, music and traditional culture are reaching increasingly wider audiences in both countries, especially among younger generations.
Familiar melodies refreshed with contemporary influences, together with diverse media products distributed across multiple platforms, have become dynamic bridges bringing Viet Nam–China friendship closer to people's everyday lives.
Ngo Minh Hien noted that this year's programme held particular significance as it marked the third consecutive year of cooperation between VOV, the Radio and Television Bureau of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Radio and Television, and Radio and Television Hong Kong (China) in organising the artistic exchange.
The cooperation over the past three years has demonstrated the sincere friendship and professional, effective coordination between media organisations of the two countries.
Notably, since April 1, 2026, VOV has officially operated as a public service institution directly under the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam. In its new capacity, VOV has identified a pioneering role in improving the quality and effectiveness of external information and communication activities.
The VOV Deputy Director General expressed his hope that the participating organisations would continue their cooperation, gradually developing “Viet Nam–China Friendship Songs” beyond an annual cultural exchange into a reputable and sustainable cultural diplomacy brand with a growing international reach.
A highlight of the 2026 programme was its selection of representative Vietnamese and Chinese songs, presented through a rich variety of artistic forms, including solo performances, choral singing and traditional instrumental ensembles.
Through its performances, the programme not only introduced traditional cultural values but also created opportunities for artists of different generations to exchange experiences, learn from one another and build connections, bringing music closer to the public.
Embracing openness and respect for cultural diversity, the programme sought to create a space for encounters and shared experiences, where songs and melodies transcended language barriers to convey sincere sentiments between the peoples of the two countries.
Holding the event for three consecutive years also reflected the efforts of Vietnamese and Chinese media organisations to promote people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation, helping translate the orientations set by the senior leaders of the two Parties and countries into concrete activities.
The VOV Deputy Director General expressed confidence that the carefully prepared and heartfelt performances by artists from both countries would resonate with audiences and continue to nurture and deepen the traditional friendship between Viet Nam and China, described as being “both comrades and brothers”.
Through the unifying power of music, the “Viet Nam–China Friendship Songs 2026” programme continues to foster closer ties between the two peoples while further strengthening cooperation between VOV and its Chinese media partners.
