The Vietnam Railways Corporation is scheduled to resume international passenger train service between Vietnam and China on May 25, with trains operating between Gia Lam Station and Nanning, China, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

The resumption of train services will comply with current Vietnamese laws and international agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory, ensuring the safety and security of operations.

Vietnam Railways Corporation is responsible for reporting to its managing authorities and coordinating with Chinese partners to implement the train service relaunch.

Previously, the company had requested approval from the Ministry of Construction to resume international passenger rail services after the suspension on February 5, 2020, due to Covid-19 prevention efforts.

According to the Vietnam Railways Corporation, following the successful containment of the Covid-19 pandemic in both countries, it proposed resuming international passenger rail services to meet the travel and trade demands of citizens and businesses in Vietnam and China.

The corporation reported the proposal to the Government, the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant authorities.

The importance of reinstating international rail travel was also included in high-level discussions between the two countries and was featured in the “Vietnam - China Joint Statement” during the visit to Vietnam by Xi Jinping, General Secretary and President of the People's Republic of China, in April 2025.

On May 13, 2025, the Vietnam Railways Corporation participated in a bilateral negotiation with the Dong Dang - Lang Son Border Gate Economic Zone Management Board and the Government Delegation of Pingxiang City, Guangxi, China.

Both sides agreed on technical conditions and set May 25, 2025, as the target date to resume the international passenger train service on the 1435 mm standard-gauge railway via the Dong Dang - Pingxiang crossing.

Vietnam Railways has reviewed infrastructure, personnel, and scheduling conditions on the route from Dong Dang to Gia Lam to ensure full preparedness for restarting the international train service.