Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to embark on his inaugural international trip of the year, visiting Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia from April 14 to 18. This journey aims to reinforce China’s diplomatic ties with its Southeast Asian neighbors amid escalating trade tensions with the United States.
According to state-operated Xinhua News Agency, this diplomatic initiative marks a crucial moment as China faces a hefty 145% tariff on U.S. imports under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia, which have been impacted by Trump’s reciprocal tariffs at rates of 49%, 46%, and 24% respectively, are already seeking negotiation avenues with the United States, positioning China uniquely in this diplomatic landscape.
In contrast to its Southeast Asian neighbors actively negotiating for tariff relief, China is focusing on strengthening regional alliances. Xi’s scheduled summits constitute a significant diplomatic effort to nurture relations with nearby nations affected by U.S. trade policy, as stated by Xinhua.
The visit aims to emphasize mutual benefits and deepen cooperation, highlighted by cultural metaphors such as “flowing water cannot be severed” in reference to China and Malaysia’s long-standing relationship, and references to Xi’s “ironclad friends” in Cambodia.
In a strategic move to counterbalance U.S. economic pressure, China has been rallying support from global regional blocs. In recent weeks, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao initiated conversations with counterparts from the European Union, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, advocating for unified resistance against punitive U.S. tariffs.
Furthermore, Premier Li Qiang’s discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the importance of supporting a robust, fair, and reformed trading system. This series of diplomatic interactions highlights Beijing’s multi-pronged strategy to navigate and mitigate the impacts of U.S. trade policies.
