Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for Vietnam to join forces against “unilateral bullying” as he continues his Southeast Asian diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening regional alliances amid increasing trade tensions with the United States.
At a Glance
- Xi Jinping is on a regional tour of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia
- The Chinese leader urged Vietnam to join China in opposing “hegemonism and protectionism”
- Both nations launched a railway cooperation mechanism during Xi’s visit
- China plans to retaliate against recent US tariffs and has added US entities to its export control list
- Xi’s diplomatic push comes as China seeks to strengthen regional ties amid global uncertainty
Xi’s Diplomatic Push in Southeast Asia
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s diplomatic tour through Southeast Asia represents a calculated effort to shore up regional support as Beijing faces growing economic and geopolitical pressure. His visit to Vietnam, marked by a warm welcome from Vietnamese leaders, forms part of a broader strategy to deepen China’s influence in neighboring countries. The timing is particularly significant as it follows the announcement of new US tariffs and comes amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
During his time in Vietnam, Xi emphasized the need for both countries to stand together against external pressures. “China and Vietnam should jointly oppose hegemonism and power politics,” Xi stated, according to Chinese state media. This language, while not explicitly naming the United States, clearly references the trade tensions that have intensified following the Biden administration’s decision to maintain and potentially expand tariffs implemented during the Trump administration.
Trade Relations and Tariff Responses
China has responded strongly to recent US tariff policies, urging Washington to cancel what Beijing terms “reciprocal tariffs.” The Chinese government has also taken concrete steps toward retaliation, adding several US entities to its export control list. These moves reflect Beijing’s growing frustration with what it perceives as economic containment strategies directed against its interests in global markets and particularly in developing economies.
Xi’s outreach to Vietnam includes significant economic components. The two countries launched a China-Vietnam railway cooperation mechanism during the visit, highlighting infrastructure development as a key aspect of their relationship. This initiative aligns with China’s broader Belt and Road strategy, which seeks to expand Chinese influence through transportation networks and development projects throughout Asia and beyond.
Regional Strategy Amid Global Uncertainty
The Chinese president’s tour includes stops in Malaysia and Cambodia, underscoring China’s commitment to what it calls “neighborhood diplomacy.” Beijing has emphasized stability and continuity in its regional relationships at a time of significant global uncertainty. Xi’s visit to Malaysia aims to strengthen bilateral friendship and deepen political trust with another important Southeast Asian nation that has sometimes maintained a delicate balance between Chinese and American interests.
Meanwhile, China has launched several criticisms of US policy beyond trade issues. Beijing has accused the US National Security Agency of conducting cyberattacks on Chinese infrastructure during the Asian Winter Games and has pushed back against American comments regarding Chinese investments in the Global South, particularly in Latin America. These accusations form part of a broader narrative that positions China as defending developing nations against Western hegemony.
Looking Forward: Implications for US-China Relations
Xi’s push for Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations to join China in opposing “unilateral bullying” comes at a critical juncture in US-China relations. With the possibility of significant policy changes depending on the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election, Beijing appears to be working to solidify its regional position. By emphasizing multilateral cooperation and presenting China as a defender against external pressures, Xi is attempting to create a more unified Asian response to Western economic policies.
China’s approach to international issues continues to emphasize what it describes as “political and diplomatic means” for resolution, including on matters like the Iranian nuclear issue. However, its increasingly assertive stance on territorial claims and trade policies suggests a growing willingness to challenge what it perceives as an unfair international order dominated by Western interests. For American policymakers, Xi’s Southeast Asian diplomatic push represents yet another challenge in the complex and evolving relationship with Beijing.
