China and Vietnam have agreed to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two governments issued a joint statement as Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up a visit to Vietnam.

Xi met with Nguyen Phu Trong, the leader of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party and the country's supreme leader, on Tuesday. He also held talks with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President Vo Van Thuong the following day.

The statement says the two sides agreed to deepen the "comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership" and build a community with a shared future.

The statement calls for cooperation in a wide range of areas, including economy and security. It says the countries will promote the construction of cross-border rail connectivity, and that their defense ministries will conduct joint patrols in the Gulf of Tonkin, which both countries face.

This year, Japan and the United States agreed with Vietnam to elevate relations. Vietnam and China are at odds over territorial rights in the South China Sea, but have strong economic ties. Observers say China wants to counter Japan and the US by stepping up relations with Vietnam.