Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Vietnam Thursday as the two countries attempt to strengthen ties again after a strain last year over China’s territory disputes in the South China Sea.

Xi was given a ceremonious welcome at the start of his two-day visit, although demonstrators gathered in parts of the capital, Ho Chi Minh City, to protest his presence. Witnesses say the demonstrations were quickly disbanded and the protesters driven away in vans.

Relations between the two nations sank to a historic low last year when China placed a giant oil rig in the South China Sea in waters Vietnam claims as its territory. The move sparked deadly anti-China riots in Vietnam.

Xi is set to meet Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang, the ruling Communist Party chief, and the prime minister during his visit. On Friday, Xi addresses the Vietnamese National Assembly.
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