Xi Enhances ASEAN Relations

While the United States has faced criticism at home for increasing tariffs on various countries, particularly targeting China, in response, China has imposed its own tariffs on the U.S., effectively dismissing America’s threats. As the U.S. tries to assert its dominance over neighboring countries like Canada, Mexico, and even Greenland, Chinese President Xi Jinping is pursuing a policy of improving relations with neighboring and regional countries. His recent visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia are part of this strategy.

From April 14 to 18, President Xi visited these three ASEAN countries. On the first leg of his trip, he arrived in Vietnam, a neighboring country that shares a 1,297-kilometer-long border with China. During his visit, President Xi met with the President, Prime Minister, General Secretary, and Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam. Both China and Vietnam are facing heavy U.S. tariffs—145% on China and 46% on Vietnam. During the visit, the Chinese President emphasized the importance of strong bilateral ties. China and Vietnam signed 45 agreements, including expanding supply chains and a railway deal.

On the second leg of his trip, on April 15, President Xi visited Malaysia, where he met with King Sultan Ibrahim and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. During the visit, the two countries signed 31 agreements related to trade, tourism, transportation, railways, and agriculture. President Xi highlighted the need for Malaysia to enhance cooperation with Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), invest in transportation infrastructure, and collaborate in the field of artificial intelligence. Malaysia’s Prime Minister stated that China is Malaysia’s most important trade partner and a strong ally amid global and geopolitical upheavals. The U.S. has announced a 24% tariff on Malaysia. During the visit, President Xi urged Malaysia and other ASEAN countries to jointly resist the additional U.S. tariffs.

On the final leg of his tour, on April 17, President Xi arrived in Cambodia. Upon arrival, he emphasized the importance of Cambodia to China. During the visit, the two countries signed around 37 documents. China has already helped develop infrastructure in Cambodia, and in this visit, pledged funding for the construction of the Funan Techo Canal, which will run from the Mekong River to the Gulf of Thailand and span approximately 180 kilometers. This canal is expected to reduce Cambodia’s dependency on Vietnam and enhance its trade and economic development. Cambodia has also been affected by recent U.S. tariffs, with a 49% import tax imposed. Cambodia is a major exporter of shoes and garments to the U.S.

During his tour of the three countries, President Xi signed nearly 100 agreements. While the primary goal was to promote trade in the region, these visits also reflect China’s policy to support countries affected by U.S. tariffs and to demonstrate its leadership in the region. China is not only working to strengthen its own economy through trade but is also offering significant opportunities to other countries in the region. The recent steps taken by U.S. President Trump have inadvertently provided an opportunity for regional countries to come together. In this context, China has shown responsibility, and President Xi’s visit is a reaffirmation of the commitment to moving forward collectively with regional nations in times of uncertainty.