As global trade tensions intensify, Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for deeper industrial and supply chain cooperation with Vietnam, while encouraging collaboration in emerging sectors like 5G, artificial intelligence, and green development. The remarks were made ahead of Xi’s state visit to Vietnam from April 14–15, part of a broader Southeast Asian tour aimed at reinforcing China’s economic ties in the region.
In an article published in Vietnamese media, Xi stressed the importance of regional initiatives such as East Asia Cooperation and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, stating they are crucial to "inject more stability and positive energy into a chaotic and intertwined world." Without directly naming the United States, Xi warned that "there are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars," and that protectionism is not a viable path forward.
The call for stronger bilateral ties comes amid a heated trade dispute between China and the U.S., with Beijing raising tariffs on American goods to as high as 125% in response to Washington’s recent tariff hikes. Seeking to navigate these tensions, China has intensified diplomatic outreach, including virtual meetings with the European Union, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, aiming to bolster its influence among ASEAN, BRICS, and G20 members.
Meanwhile, Vietnam is reportedly preparing to crack down on Chinese products rerouted through its territory to bypass U.S. tariffs and is tightening oversight on sensitive exports to China.
Xi also expressed China's openness to importing more high-quality goods from Vietnam and encouraged Chinese enterprises to expand their presence in the country, highlighting a mutual interest in sustaining open markets and stable global supply chains.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)