HANOI, Vietnam — China’s leader Xi Jinping initiated a week of diplomacy in Southeast Asia with a visit to Vietnam on Monday, demonstrating China’s dedication to global trade, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s disruptions to the global economy through his latest tariffs.

Despite Trump’s brief suspension of some tariffs, China remains the exception, subject to 145% tariffs on its economy.

Xi’s visit underscores China’s aspiration to be seen as a “responsible superpower,” contrasting with the U.S. under President Donald Trump, as suggested by Nguyen Khac Giang, a fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute.

China aims to reinforce its alliances and address high trade barriers imposed by the U.S. on Chinese exports.

In an editorial, Xi emphasized, “There are no winners in a trade war… Our two countries should resolutely safeguard the multilateral trading system.”

Xi’s trip, likely planned earlier, has gained significance due to the ongoing tariff dispute between China and the U.S., the world’s two largest economies. In Vietnam, Xi will meet with top Vietnamese officials.

Nguyen, commenting on Xi’s tour, noted its aim to shield China from U.S. pressure, marking Xi’s third visit since becoming China’s president in 2013.

The timing of the visit signals China’s commitment to Southeast Asia, amid concerns over the potential complications of U.S. tariffs on regional development.

Le-Thu of the International Crisis Group further noted that Xi’s leadership during this crisis carries significant expectations.

Vietnam is adept at balancing relations with both the U.S. and China. In 2023, it hosted both U.S. President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping.

Vietnam has benefited from businesses relocating from China. China remains its largest trading partner, with trade surging 14.6% in 2024.

However, Vietnam faces a delicate situation due to U.S. perceptions of Vietnam as a backdoor for Chinese goods amidst the trade tensions.

China and Vietnam have underlying differences, including territorial disputes in the South China Sea, although these confrontations are not frequently publicized.

Following Vietnam, Xi is set to visit Malaysia and then Cambodia.

Source: https://time.com/7277481/china-xi-jinping-trump-tariffs-trade-war-no-winners-diplomacy/