China's Xi to Visit Southeast Asia as Trade Conflict with US Widens
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Loading... - Archie Bailey
- 11 Apr 2025
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Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to embark on a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia next week, marking his first overseas trip of the year. The visit aims to strengthen ties with some of China's closest neighbors amid escalating trade tensions with the United States. Xi will visit Vietnam from April 14 to 15, followed by Malaysia and Cambodia from April 15 to 18, as reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency.
The backdrop of this diplomatic mission is the significant impact of U.S. tariffs on China, which have surged by 145% since President Donald Trump took office. In response, China is rapidly working to bolster relationships with other countries that are also feeling the effects of Washington's trade policies. Countries like Cambodia, facing tariffs of 49%, Vietnam with a 46% levy, and Malaysia at 24%, have begun reaching out to the U.S. in hopes of securing relief from these punitive measures.
As a result, China finds itself in a unique position in two-way talks, especially as tensions with Washington remain high. Xi's upcoming visits are a notable personal diplomatic effort, as he has not visited Cambodia and Malaysia in nearly a decade, with his last trip to Vietnam occurring in December 2023.
During his visit to Vietnam, it is anticipated that China and Vietnam will sign approximately 40 agreements, including some related to railway links. Vietnamese officials have indicated that Vietnam is seeking Chinese funding and technology to enhance its railway network, a topic that has been a focal point in previous high-level discussions.
In addition to economic agreements, there are expectations that defense and police ministries will also sign pacts, although it remains unclear whether these agreements will be binding or include financial commitments. Historically, many agreements signed during state visits have not been legally binding.
Xinhua has indicated that it will publish articles highlighting Xi's visit to Southeast Asia, emphasizing the enduring connections between China and Malaysia, as well as featuring Xi's relationships with leaders in Cambodia.
In the lead-up to and following the implementation of Trump's reciprocal tariffs on April 9, which have since been paused for most countries except China, Beijing has been actively engaging with global regional blocs to unify against the U.S. trade measures. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has held video calls with counterparts from the European Union, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa to discuss these issues.
Additionally, Premier Li Qiang recently spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasizing the shared responsibility of both parties to support a "strong reformed trading system that is free, fair, and founded on a level playing field." This highlights China's ongoing efforts to navigate the complexities of international trade relations amid rising tensions with the United States.
