Xi Visits Vietnam, Pushes Closer Ties Amid Growing Chinese Presence
• Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Vietnam, hails "strategic upgrade" of ties between the two countries • Leaders sign dozens of cooperation pacts, establish a "strategic China-Vietnam community of shared future" • Relations described as historic milestone, though may be more symbolic than substantive • Xi pushes for closer ties after Vietnam elevates partnership with US to same level as China • Visit shows importance Xi places on Vietnam amid growing Chinese manufacturing presence