BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to embark on his first international trip of 2025 with a visit to three Southeast Asian nations, aimed at reinforcing regional alliances as trade frictions with the United States intensify.
According to China's state news agency Xinhua, Xi will travel to Vietnam from April 14–15, followed by visits to Malaysia and Cambodia from April 15–18. The diplomatic tour comes as Beijing seeks to solidify ties with neighboring countries impacted by escalating U.S. tariffs.
Since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office this year, Washington has imposed sweeping tariffs—up to 145% on Chinese goods—while also targeting other regional economies. Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia have all faced substantial duties, prompting some of them to initiate talks with Washington in hopes of easing the economic pressure. China, however, has so far refrained from entering direct negotiations, choosing instead to strengthen its partnerships elsewhere.
Xi’s upcoming visits signal a strategic diplomatic push, highlighting Beijing’s intent to deepen engagement with countries it views as vital partners. Chinese officials have described the tour as a demonstration of solidarity and long-term cooperation. Xinhua plans to publish special reports underscoring the close bonds between China and these countries, with themes such as "water flows continuously" to describe China-Malaysia ties, and the “ironclad friendship” between Xi and Cambodian leaders.
In parallel, Chinese officials have been active on the international stage. Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has recently held virtual discussions with counterparts from the EU, Malaysia, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia, calling for collective opposition to the new wave of U.S. tariffs. Premier Li Qiang also spoke by phone with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasizing the shared duty of China and Europe to uphold a fair and reformed global trading system.
