BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Southeast Asia next week, marking his first overseas trip of the year as Beijing looks to strengthen regional alliances in response to rising trade frictions with the United States.
According to China’s official Xinhua news agency, Xi will tour Vietnam from April 14 to 15, followed by stops in Malaysia and Cambodia from April 15 to 18.
The trip comes as the U.S. imposes steep tariffs on Chinese goods—reaching as high as 145% under President Donald Trump’s administration. As trade hostilities escalate, China is actively working to solidify ties with neighboring countries that are also feeling the heat from Washington’s tough economic measures.
Countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, and Malaysia—also targeted by new U.S. tariffs—have started talks with Washington to ease the financial strain. Meanwhile, China is positioning itself as a stable partner in the region.
Xi’s visit represents a significant diplomatic push, with Beijing emphasizing deeper collaboration and stronger regional unity. Xinhua reports it will release special features highlighting China’s enduring partnerships, including the close ties with Malaysia and what it calls Xi’s “ironclad friendship” with Cambodia.
In the lead-up to this trip, Chinese officials have been ramping up efforts to rally global support against what they label as unfair U.S. trade practices. China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao recently held talks with counterparts in the EU, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. Additionally, Premier Li Qiang spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to stress the importance of a balanced global trade framework.
As Washington’s tariffs bite harder, China is moving quickly to deepen regional cooperation and counterbalance its strained relationship with the U.S.