IRIA News

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In a strategic move to bolster China’s influence in Southeast Asia amidst escalating trade tensions with the United States, President Xi Jinping has embarked on a diplomatic tour encompassing Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia.

The tour aims to position China as a pillar of “stability and certainty” in a region grappling with the repercussions of recent U.S. tariff policies.​

As the first stop of his multinational tour, President Xi arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, on April 14, 2025, where he was welcomed by President Luong Cuong. Xi conducted a series of high-level meetings and the signing of 45 cooperation agreements spanning supply chains, artificial intelligence, joint maritime patrols, and railway development.

Trade and investment agreements

In discussions with Vietnam’s Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, Xi emphasized the mutual benefits of economic globalization and the importance of resisting unilateral trade practices. He stated that both nations should “jointly oppose unilateral bullying acts, uphold the global free trade system, and keep global industrial and supply chains stable.”​

“The two sides should strengthen cooperation in production and supply chains,” Xi said in an article in Nhandan, the newspaper of Vietnam’s Communist Party, posted ahead of his arrival on Monday. He also urged more trade and stronger ties with Hanoi on artificial intelligence and the green economy.

A significant highlight of the visit was the agreement to assess the feasibility of developing two new railway lines connecting Guangxi to Hanoi and Shenzhen to Haiphong. China has committed to funding the feasibility studies for these projects, signaling a deepening of infrastructure collaboration between the two countries. Lam underscored the priority of rail development and encouraged China to offer concessional loans to support these initiatives.​

One of the memorandums of understanding focused on enhancing collaboration between the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the latter of which plays a key role in issuing certificates of origin for export goods.

Pressure from the US

Facing mounting pressure from Washington, Vietnam has begun tightening regulations on certain aspects of its trade with China to ensure that products labeled “Made in Vietnam” and exported to the U.S. include sufficient local value-added processing to meet international standards.

“There are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars,” Xi stated in his article, pointedly avoiding any direct reference to the United States. During a later meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Xi reiterated that the two nations should jointly “oppose unilateral bullying,” according to reports from Chinese state media outlet Xinhua.

Washington’s response

In response to Xi’s visit to Vietnam and subsequent meeting between the two top leaders, U.S. President Donald Trump commented that the discussions between China and Vietnam appeared centered on strategies that could potentially harm the United States, though he did not place any direct blame on either country.

“I don’t blame China; I don’t blame Vietnam,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “That’s a lovely meeting. Meeting like, trying to figure out, ‘how do we screw the United States of America?'”

A Trump administration official later noted that earlier this month, President Trump and Vietnam’s Lam had “agreed to work to reduce reciprocal tariffs and looked forward to an in-person meeting in the near future.”

Xi’s trip to Malaysia

After concluding his one-day visit to Vietnam, Xi arrived at the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. Xi expressed high hopes that his current state visit to Malaysia will further elevate the long-standing friendship between the two nations, marking the beginning of another “50 golden years” of strong bilateral ties.

President Xi Jinping arrived in Malaysia on Tuesday afternoon for a three-day state visit to the Southeast Asian country after he wrapped up a two-day tour of Vietnam. #XiJinping #XiVisit #习近平 @XisMoments (Photos: Wang Zhuangfei) https://t.co/mWTy7rzf5o pic.twitter.com/U0JE1K2klE

— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) April 15, 2025

In a statement upon his arrival in Kuala Lumpur, Xi said, “With this visit, I hope to further deepen our traditional friendship, enhance political trust, advance cooperation in modernization, promote mutual learning between civilizations, and scale new heights in developing the China-Malaysia community with a shared future.”

He added, “I am confident that, with our joint efforts, this will be a fruitful visit. Together, we will open a new chapter in the annals of our good neighbourly ties and mutually beneficial cooperation.”

Recalling his first visit 12 years ago, Xi said, “Coming back today fills me with warmth,” and extended “sincere greetings and best wishes” to Malaysia. He noted that their ties serve as a model of mutual respect and cooperation.

Geopolitical context and implications

President Xi’s Southeast Asia tour comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs that have disrupted global markets. Although China and its Southeast Asian countries are taking a trajectory towards better relations, underlying tensions still persist, particularly concerning China’s claims in the South China Sea, which are contested by both Vietnam and Malaysia.

President Xi’s tour also underscores China’s commitment to deepening economic and strategic ties with neighboring countries. By promoting free trade, infrastructure development, and regional cooperation, China aims to solidify its role as a central player in Southeast Asia’s economic landscape.

While challenges remain, particularly regarding territorial disputes, the tour represents a significant step in China’s efforts to position itself as a source of stability and certainty in an increasingly complex global environment.​