BEIJING - President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Vietnam and Singapore is a crucial step for furthering involvement of the two countries in China's ambitious plan to revive ancient trade routes.

Vietnam and Singapore are both important points along the maritime silk road, part of the "Belt and Road" initiative launched by China two years ago.

Xi's visit from Nov 5 to 7 is expected to revitalize relations with the two countries and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), while helping build a strong foundation to create a community of common destiny among ASEAN nations, Zhang Dewei, former Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam said.

TIES TO NEW LEVEL

Relations between China and Vietnam sank to a low point last year due to disputes over the South China Sea, but frequent high-level contacts this year proved to warm ties.

Xi's visit to Vietnam comes at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. It marks the first time a Chinese President has made an official visit to Vietnam in 10 years.

His trip is also reciprocal for previous visits to China by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong and President Truong Tan Sang.

Although differences remain on the South China Sea issue, China and Vietnam know how to seek common ground while reserving differences, said Zhang. The tour will boost the "comradely and fraternal" relations between the two neighbors.

Xi's trip to Singapore also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations and Singapore's recent appointment as coordinator for the ASEAN-China Dialogue for the next three years.

China-Singapore relations have made great progress since the two countries built diplomatic ties 25 years ago, said Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Chen Xiaodong.

The two countries are working together to upgrade ties by furthering mutual trust, creating new engines for practical cooperation and deepening cultural exchanges, he said.

Both Vietnam and Singapore are important partners for building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and Xi's upcoming visit will help mitigate the negative impact caused by the South China Sea dispute, Zhang said. It will also help renew efforts to create a community of common destiny with ASEAN nations.