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China’s President Xi Jinping has embarked on a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia, commencing in Vietnam, with an emphasis on fostering trade stability amidst rising tensions between the United States and China. During a meeting with Vietnam’s Communist Party Secretary-General To Lam, Xi advocated for collaboration against what he referred to as “unilateral bullying,” implicitly targeting US trade practices without naming the nation directly.
This trip, described as a “charm offensive,” holds increased significance against the backdrop of an intensifying trade war between the US and China. Vietnam has recently faced the imposition of US tariffs that could rise to as much as 46%, although these tariffs were temporarily suspended by the Trump administration just prior to Xi’s visit.
US President Donald Trump publicly critiqued Xi’s engagement with Vietnamese leaders, suggesting it was a strategic maneuver aimed at undermining US interests. Trump’s remarks included the assertion that the meeting was aimed at devising ways to disadvantage the United States.
Xi emphasized the necessity of strengthening strategic resolve and maintaining the integrity of the global free trade system, as well as ensuring the stability of industrial and supply chains. This rhetoric has been characterized by some analysts as a calculated move by Xi to position China as a proponent of rule-based international trade, contrasting it with US actions that are perceived as erratic.
In a related statement, President Trump reiterated that while he does not hold Vietnam or China directly responsible, he accused them of collaborating in ways that might harm the US economy. This sentiment reflects the escalating rivalry between the two largest economies, highlighted by the recent tariffs imposed by Trump on a variety of Chinese imports and Beijing’s retaliatory measures, which included substantial tariffs on American goods.
A Golden Opportunity for Diplomatic Engagement
Upon arrival in Hanoi, Xi was greeted warmly by local citizens waving both Chinese and Vietnamese flags. His schedule included productive discussions with high-ranking Vietnamese officials, including a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Additionally, Xi took part in a wreath laying ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, honoring Vietnam’s historical leader.
Despite these diplomatic overtures, analysts suggest that Vietnam will tread carefully to avoid the perception of siding too closely with China, given its significant economic relationship with the United States. Susannah Patton, Director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Lowy Institute, notes that China presents both opportunities and challenges for Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries.
Xi’s tour will continue with stops in Malaysia, where he is slated to meet with the Malaysian King and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The visit coincides with announcements from Malaysian companies, such as U Mobile, regarding the deployment of a new 5G network using infrastructure from Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE. This further illustrates the complexities of China’s role in the region, as it seeks to solidify partnerships while also positioning itself as a key player against perceived US protectionism.
Looking ahead, analysts anticipate Xi will underscore themes of reliability and partnership in contrast to the US narrative, marking this diplomatic visit as a pivotal moment for China to enhance its influence in Southeast Asia.
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