WITH A high stakes trade war between the US and China looming in the horizon, China president Xi Jinping has every reason to rally supporters.
He is scheduled to begin his tour of Southeast Asia with a visit to Vietnam, followed by stops in Malaysia and Cambodia.
This marks Jinping’s first overseas visit of the year, as Beijing seeks to strengthen regional trade ties and mitigate the significant impact of tariffs imposed by United States President Donald Trump.
Recently, Jinping also pledged to deepen China’s strategic partnership with Indonesia, during a call with President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday.
Jinping reportedly told Prabowo that the bilateral relationship holds strategic significance and global impact, as both leaders exchanged congratulations on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Jinping is expected to meet with three of his Southeast Asian counterparts during the visit, which Beijing describes as being of “great importance” for regional stability and cooperation.
According to China’s Xinhua News Agency, citing an article published today in Vietnam’s main newspaper, Nhan Dan, Jinping urged China and Vietnam to “firmly uphold the multilateral trading system, the stability of industrial and global supply chains, and an open and cooperative international environment”.
The agency also reported that Jinping reiterated Beijing’s stance that “trade wars and tariff wars will yield no winners, and protectionist policies lead nowhere.”
Beijing is now seeking to present itself as a more stable alternative to US President Donald Trump, who earlier this month announced new tariff rates, only to retract part of them shortly after, causing instability and confusion in global markets.
Vietnam is the largest purchaser of Chinese goods in Southeast Asia, with imports valued at US$161.9 bil (RM717.50 bil), followed by Malaysia at US$101.5 bil (RM449.82 bil) last year.
Meanwhile, meticulous preparations, including aerial surveillance, are underway to ensure maximum security during Jinping’s visit to Malaysia from Tuesday to Thursday, according to the Royal Malaysia Police.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who also serves as spokesperson for the Madani government, said the Cabinet views the visit as significant in enhancing bilateral ties, especially in trade.
He noted that the visit is not only highly anticipated but also forms part of Malaysia’s broader effort, as a trading nation, to strengthen economic relations with various countries, including China. —Apr 14, 2025
Main image: Reuters
