Chinese President Xi Jinping has made a notable statement during his recent visit to Vietnam, emphasizing that protectionism “leads nowhere” and insisting that there are “no winners” in a trade war, according to reports from state media. This visit marks the beginning of a Southeast Asia tour aimed at reinforcing regional trade ties and countering the effects of substantial tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
As the first overseas trip of the year for Mr. Xi, his itinerary includes stops in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. His arrival at Hanoi’s airport was met with enthusiasm; a crowd of well-wishers waved Chinese flags, highlighting the significance of the tour, which Beijing describes as “majorly important” for the broader region.
Upon his arrival, Xi expressed his eagerness for an “in-depth exchange of views with Vietnamese leaders on matters that affect both our parties and nations, and hold global consequences”. In an article published in Nhan Dan, Vietnam’s state-run newspaper, he reiterated his stance that “a trade war and tariff war will yield no winners, and protectionism will lead nowhere.”
Amidst this backdrop, Beijing is positioning itself as a stable partner in contrast to the unpredictability seen from the Trump administration. Recently, President Trump announced plans to implement tariffs on semiconductors, stating, “The tariffs will be in place in the not distant future because, as you know, like we did with steel, like we did with automobiles and aluminium, we’ll also be doing this with semiconductors, chips, and numerous other products.”
In a show of goodwill, Vietnam’s top leader Tô Lâm articulated his country’s readiness to collaborate with China, emphasizing a desire to foster “more substantive, profound, balanced, and sustainable” cooperation. Reports indicate that around 40 cooperation documents are set to be signed during this trip, showcasing a commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.
In terms of economic cooperation, Vietnam emerged as Southeast Asia’s largest importer of Chinese goods in 2024, with expenditures amounting to $161.9 billion, followed closely by Malaysia, which imported $101.5 billion worth of goods from China. By solidifying relationships with its Southeast Asian neighbors, China aims to cushion the potential impact of a more isolationist United States, which constituted the largest single market for Chinese exports last year.
This trip represents Mr. Xi’s first visit to Vietnam since December 2023, reinforcing the “comprehensive strategic partnership” that the two communist-party-led nations enjoy. Vietnam has adopted a “bamboo diplomacy” approach, balancing its relationships with both China and the United States. While the two countries maintain close economic ties, Vietnam also shares U.S. concerns regarding China’s assertive claims in the contested South China Sea.
China’s assertion of almost complete ownership of the South China Sea faces opposition from various nations including the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brunei. Nonetheless, President Xi has expressed a belief in the potential for resolution through dialogue, stating, “We should properly manage differences and safeguard peace and stability in our region. With vision, we are fully capable of properly settling maritime issues through consultation and negotiation.”
An article by Mr. Lâm recognized the importance of joint efforts to “control and satisfactorily resolve disagreements,” which he identified as a vital stabilizing factor in the current complex and unpredictable international and regional landscape.
Following his visit to Vietnam, Mr. Xi is scheduled to visit Malaysia and Cambodia. Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil noted that Mr. Xi’s presence is “part of the government’s efforts to foster better trade relations with various countries, including China.” Cambodia, a steadfast ally of China in Southeast Asia, awaits Mr. Xi with a burgeoning influence from Beijing over recent years.
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Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
