Chinese President Xi Jinping began his Southeast Asia trip with a firm stance against trade protectionism, warning that economic disputes like tariff wars serve no one’s interest.
His visit, which started in Vietnam on Monday, comes as the United States under former President Donald Trump reintroduced sweeping tariffs that rattled international markets.
Xi touched down in Hanoi to a welcome ceremony, with Chinese flags waved by onlookers, signaling the start of a tour that includes Malaysia and Cambodia. The Chinese government described the trip as crucial for strengthening regional partnerships, especially in the current climate of global economic uncertainty.
Xi’s message was clear from the start. In a statement carried by Chinese state media, he expressed readiness to engage Vietnamese leaders in deep talks on matters with international implications. His comments, both in official remarks and in an article published by Vietnam’s state-run Nhan Dan newspaper, took a direct swipe at protectionist policies, calling them ineffective and harmful to the global economy.
The Chinese president emphasized the need to protect multilateral trade systems and stable supply chains. He also called for a more open, collaborative global trading environment, presenting China as a dependable player amid what it portrays as America’s unpredictable economic moves.
Vietnamese President To Lam echoed a tone of cooperation, writing that his country is open to stronger, more balanced relations with China. Officials from both countries are expected to sign around 40 agreements during Xi’s stay, aimed at reinforcing the already deep economic ties between the two communist-led nations.
In 2024, Vietnam topped the list of Chinese goods buyers in Southeast Asia, importing over $160 billion worth. Malaysia followed closely behind. With these countries playing such a vital role in China’s trade network, Xi’s visit is widely seen as a strategic effort to consolidate regional ties as China braces for more uncertainty from its largest export market—the United States.
Beyond trade, territorial tensions were also addressed. China’s vast claims in the South China Sea remain a source of friction with several Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam. Xi, however, insisted that such differences could be managed through talks and mutual understanding.
Vietnam, for its part, continues to balance its relations with China and the US under what it calls “bamboo diplomacy,” aiming to stay flexible and neutral. Lam supported peaceful dialogue over maritime disputes and stressed the importance of keeping regional tensions under control.
After wrapping up in Vietnam on Tuesday, Xi will head to Malaysia, where trade discussions are expected to continue. Malaysian officials have voiced optimism about deeper economic engagement with China. Xi’s final stop will be Cambodia on Thursday, a country that has closely aligned with Beijing in recent years.
The tour comes at a time when China is repositioning itself as a reliable global trade partner amid growing uncertainty in its relationship with the West.