Xi Jinping Vietnam tariffs China: President Xi urges Vietnam to resist “unilateral bullying” during diplomatic tour in Southeast Asia. Xi made his comments as the region increasingly faces pressure from the conflicting trade policies of China and the U.S.
The Chinese president arrived in Vietnam to a warm reception, marking the start of a regional visit that will also take him to Malaysia and Cambodia. His message: China is a reliable partner in maintaining the stability of the global free trade system and wants to counteract what he sees as the damaging effects of U.S. tariff policies.
Xi delivered his speech during a meeting with Vietnam’s leadership, highlighting the importance of working together to “uphold a free and open trade environment.” He also emphasized the need for both nations to continue strengthening economic ties to weather the global trade storm.
“A small boat with a single sail cannot withstand the stormy waves. Only by working together can we sail steadily and far,” Xi said, according to Chinese state media.
This diplomatic push comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt on his reciprocal tariffs, setting the stage for more uncertainty in trade relations between the two global giants. The U.S. has imposed heavy tariffs on China, while China has retaliated with tariffs on U.S. goods, leading to a precarious economic situation for countries in Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asian Nations Caught Between U.S. and China
In a delicate balancing act, Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam and Cambodia are looking to avoid being swept into the economic turmoil caused by Trump’s trade war. Vietnam, in particular, has felt the impact of U.S. tariffs, with an import tariff rate of 46% imposed on goods coming from China. This has forced Vietnamese manufacturers to adjust their supply chains and seek out new trading partners.
Xi’s message to Vietnam was clear: China wants to position itself as a stabilizing force in the region and a reliable economic partner, offering cooperation in multiple sectors including agriculture, digital technology, and railways. In return, Xi expects the nations to work closely with China, especially as the world grapples with trade disruptions caused by Trump’s unpredictable tariff policies.
Strengthening Ties with Vietnam
During his visit, Xi and Vietnam are expected to sign approximately 40 agreements across a range of sectors, further solidifying their economic and strategic relationship. Vietnam, which has become one of China’s top trading partners in Southeast Asia, is already seeing increased Chinese investments.
The two countries are also advancing plans to build an $8.3 billion railway connecting northern Vietnam with China, which will be funded partially by Chinese loans. This is a part of a broader effort to deepen economic cooperation and diversify China’s investments across the region.
Challenges Ahead for Southeast Asia
While Xi’s overtures to Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations may seem like an offer of support, analysts warn that these countries must tread carefully. They need to maintain good relations with China without alienating the U.S., as their trade partnerships with both countries are crucial to their economic success.
Despite China’s efforts to paint itself as a steadfast ally, the region’s uneasy relations with Beijing over territorial disputes, especially in the South China Sea, continue to simmer beneath the surface. In February, tensions escalated when China held live-fire drills near Vietnam’s contested waters in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Conclusion
Xi’s visit to Vietnam is a bid to consolidate China’s influence in Southeast Asia while responding to the turbulence created by Trump’s trade policies. While the region is keen to strengthen its ties with China, it must also remain wary of the risks associated with aligning too closely with one side in an ongoing global trade conflict.
Source: CNN
