China’s President Xi Jinping commenced a significant journey through Southeast Asia on Monday, landing in Hanoi as he seeks to fortify relations with countries also feeling the repercussions of escalating U.S. tariffs. This tour, encompassing Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia over the span of a week, aims to consolidate support for China’s stance against America’s trade policies which threaten to disrupt established manufacturing sectors and halt economic progress.
In a pre-arrival essay disseminated by Vietnamese state media, Xi urged neighboring nations to unite with China in safeguarding the principles of free trade and maintaining a stable, cooperative international atmosphere. He asserted that “there are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars,” reinforcing his prior remarks in Beijing and declaring that “protectionism has no viable pathway forward.”
As Mr. Xi embarks on this diplomatic mission, he presents himself as a trustworthy ally for nations disillusioned by the unpredictable nature of U.S. President Trump’s “America First” doctrine, especially present in the wake of damaging global market fluctuations and reciprocal tariffs. Expectations are set for a display of warmth and cordiality throughout his visit, punctuated by ceremonial greetings from locals adorning traditional Vietnamese attire and waving flags.
However, behind this outward show of camaraderie lies a measure of trepidation among Southeast Asian nations, who are simultaneously attempting to placate the U.S. in hopes of alleviating tariffs. The ongoing U.S.-China trade war, marked by reciprocal tariffs and the controversial suspension of rare earth exports by China, has further compounded uncertainties among countries grappling with the potential for economic downturns and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
In a pre-arrival essay disseminated by Vietnamese state media, Xi urged neighboring nations to unite with China in safeguarding the principles of free trade and maintaining a stable, cooperative international atmosphere. He asserted that “there are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars,” reinforcing his prior remarks in Beijing and declaring that “protectionism has no viable pathway forward.”
As Mr. Xi embarks on this diplomatic mission, he presents himself as a trustworthy ally for nations disillusioned by the unpredictable nature of U.S. President Trump’s “America First” doctrine, especially present in the wake of damaging global market fluctuations and reciprocal tariffs. Expectations are set for a display of warmth and cordiality throughout his visit, punctuated by ceremonial greetings from locals adorning traditional Vietnamese attire and waving flags.
However, behind this outward show of camaraderie lies a measure of trepidation among Southeast Asian nations, who are simultaneously attempting to placate the U.S. in hopes of alleviating tariffs. The ongoing U.S.-China trade war, marked by reciprocal tariffs and the controversial suspension of rare earth exports by China, has further compounded uncertainties among countries grappling with the potential for economic downturns and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
