^{Source: France 24}

Xi's Southeast Asia Tour: Strengthening Regional Ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping has embarked on a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia, beginning with a two-day state visit to Vietnam from April 14 to 15, 2025. This tour, which also includes Malaysia and Cambodia, aims to reinforce China's commitment to multilateral trade and counteract the escalating tariff tensions initiated by the United States. ​AP News

In an article published in Vietnam's Communist Party newspaper, Nhan Dan, Xi emphasized that "trade war and tariff war will produce no winner, and protectionism will lead nowhere." He advocated for the preservation of the multilateral trading system and the stability of global industrial and supply chains. ​

Vietnam-China Economic Relations: A Deepening Partnership

Vietnam and China have witnessed a significant strengthening of their economic ties. In 2024, bilateral trade between the two nations reached a record $205.2 billion, marking a $33.3 billion increase from the previous year. Vietnam's exports to China totaled $61.2 billion, while imports from China surged to $144 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $82.8 billion for Vietnam. ​‍

China remains Vietnam's largest trading partner, accounting for 26% of the country's total trade turnover in 2024. The traded goods range from agricultural products to raw materials, electronics, and consumer goods. Most of Vietnam's imports from China consist of essential goods, including machinery, equipment, tools, spare parts, and raw materials for domestic production and export. ​‍

Navigating U.S. Tariff Pressures

The backdrop to Xi's visit includes heightened trade tensions with the United States. President Donald Trump's administration has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods. Vietnam, while not the primary target, faces proposed U.S. tariffs of 46%, which have been temporarily suspended for 90 days. These developments have prompted Vietnam to seek stronger economic ties with China as a counterbalance. ​

Future Collaborations: Infrastructure and Technology

During Xi's visit, discussions have centered on enhancing cooperation in various sectors. Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister indicated that approximately 40 agreements could be signed across sectors, including defense, security, and infrastructure. Notably, Vietnam agreed to use Chinese loans to develop rail links, and budget airline VietJet signed a memorandum with Chinese aircraft manufacturer COMAC. ​

Additionally, Xi emphasized the importance of collaboration in emerging industries such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and green development. He called for deeper cooperation between the two countries, including business cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, stating that "China welcomes more quality Vietnamese products in the Chinese market and encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Vietnam." ​

A Strategic Pivot in Regional Dynamics

President Xi's Southeast Asia tour underscores China's strategic efforts to bolster regional alliances amid global trade uncertainties. By advocating for multilateralism and deepening economic ties with neighboring countries, China positions itself as a stabilizing force in the face of rising protectionist policies. The outcomes of this tour may significantly influence the economic landscape of Southeast Asia in the coming years.

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