Chinese President Xi Jinping embarked on a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia on Monday, emphasizing the negative impacts of trade wars. During his trip to Vietnam, he criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariff action. He continues, “Trade war, or tariff war, there are no winners.”
Xi’s trip coincides with the backdrop of growing tension between the U.S. and China surrounding tariffs, which adds even more weight to this visit. It was a sign of the growing diplomatic thaw between the two, as Xi has made only two visits to Vietnam since taking up the Chinese presidency in 2013. His travels will take him to Malaysia and Cambodia following his three-week Vietnam service assignment. This itinerary is a pretty transparent indication of China’s aims in solidifying its alliances in the region.
On the tarmac in Hanoi, President Luong Cuong welcomed Xi upon his arrival in Vietnam. This very warm welcome set the tone for what would be a truly impactful visit. His strongest meeting was likely with Vietnam’s Communist Party General Secretary To Lam. In addition, he held talks with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, cementing the growing diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
In an editorial published jointly in Vietnamese and Chinese official media, Xi called for a unified approach to global trade challenges. He stated, “Our two countries should resolutely safeguard the multilateral trading system, stable global industrial and supply chains, and open and cooperative international environment.” This tacit admission is emblematic of China’s broader ambition to portray itself as a responsible, global superpower, while still cutting corners at the expense of its trade partners.
Analysts are convinced that Xi’s visit is intended to further boost bilateral ties. They further view it as an opportunity to work down the extremely high trade barriers set by the U.S. Nguyen Khac Giang, a local analyst, noted, “The trip to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia is all about how China can really insulate itself against Trump.” This point of view highlights the geopolitical nature and strategic significance of Southeast Asia heightening amid U.S.-China trade war.
Another expert, Huong Le-Thu, highlighted the importance of Xi’s visit. She said that sends a very strong political message, in that it’s of huge importance to China — southeast Asia. Through this engagement, China seeks to shore up its regional influence, while undercutting U.S. economic policy.
So Xi’s Planned State Visit to Vietnam, already planned before this most recent U.S.-China tariff kerfuffle began, may be particularly welcome right about now. This visit is given unusual significance due to the current climate. China’s already tense trade relations with the U.S. just took a turn for the worse. This tour provides an important opportunity for Xi to demonstrate China’s commitment to building strong international partnerships.
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