The timing couldn’t be better for Chinese President Xi Jinping as he completes a tour of Southeast Asia amidst growing tariff pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. Xi’s five-day visit to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia is aimed at strengthening ties in the region and positioning China as a reliable and stable partner.
Xi’s tour comes at a critical time when President Trump recently announced high tariffs on countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. On April 2, Trump introduced tariffs of 46% on Vietnam, 24% on Malaysia, and 49% on Cambodia, though he paused the rate at 10% for 90 days. In contrast, China faces tariffs as high as 145%.
Xi’s diplomatic tour is aimed at reinforcing China’s presence in the region. During his visit to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, Xi emphasized strengthening strategic cooperation, opposing unilateral actions, and upholding the global free trade system.
In Malaysia, Xi discussed a free trade agreement with ASEAN leaders, and in Cambodia, he met with top leaders to further enhance bilateral relations and discuss international cooperation.
Regional Tensions and Economic Ties
Despite these positive engagements, China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea has caused tensions with its neighbors, especially the Philippines. The trade relationships between China and ASEAN are growing, with China being ASEAN’s largest trading partner since 2009.
Xi’s visit is seen as a strategic move to show that China is a dependable partner while countering the growing influence of U.S. policies in the region.