Xi Jinping’s Continues Southeast Asia Tour

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ongoing tour of Southeast Asia, which began earlier this week, is seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen trade ties and position China as a stable partner in the wake of the economic disruptions caused by the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff policies.

During a state dinner with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, Xi reiterated China’s commitment to collaborating with Southeast Asian nations as they face global economic turbulence. He emphasized that China and Malaysia would work together to combat “unilateralism and protectionism” and safeguard the region’s economic stability.

"In the face of shocks to global order and economic globalization, China and Malaysia will stand with countries in the region," Xi said, also pledging greater market access for Malaysia and Vietnam.

Criticism of U.S. Economic Policies

Prime Minister Ibrahim welcomed Xi’s remarks, subtly criticizing the United States under Donald Trump for its retreat from globalization and embrace of "economic tribalism." “What we are witnessing today is not an honest reckoning with the imperfections of globalization, but a retreat into economic tribalism. Market access is being weaponized,” Ibrahim said.

The two leaders are expected to sign several bilateral agreements during Xi’s visit, which will include cooperation on supply chains and infrastructure projects. The Malaysian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the two leaders would also discuss a potential free trade agreement between China and the ASEAN bloc, which includes Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Earlier this week, Xi also met with leaders in Vietnam, another country severely impacted by the U.S. tariffs. During these meetings, China and Vietnam signed multiple agreements aimed at enhancing trade and supply chain cooperation, with Xi offering greater access for Vietnamese agricultural exports to China.

Strategic Alliances in the Wake of Tariffs

Xi’s trip to Southeast Asia comes as both China and the U.S. grapple with the effects of the ongoing trade war, which has shifted some global supply chains and trade routes. The U.S. tariffs, particularly those targeting China and its allies in the region, have pushed countries like Vietnam to seek new trade partners, with China eager to fill the void left by U.S. policies.

U.S. President Trump, however, criticized Xi's visit, suggesting that the meetings between China and Vietnam were aimed at undermining American interests. "I don’t blame China; I don’t blame Vietnam. That’s a lovely meeting. Meeting like, trying to figure out: 'How do we screw the United States of America?’” Trump told reporters.

In the face of these tensions, Xi’s outreach to ASEAN countries appears to be part of a broader strategy to solidify China’s position as a reliable trade partner in contrast to the volatility of U.S. policy. Speaking to Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính, Xi stressed that both countries should "oppose unilateral bullying" and work together to maintain a stable global trade system.

China’s Growing Influence in Southeast Asia

Xi’s Southeast Asia tour is not just about countering U.S. economic influence but also about bolstering China’s political and economic presence in a region that has long been a strategic point of contention between the U.S. and China. Analysts note that Vietnam, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian nations are walking a delicate diplomatic tightrope, balancing their economic ties with China while maintaining relationships with the U.S.

As Xi's visit progresses, China’s message to the region is clear: it aims to be the partner of choice in an increasingly fragmented global economy. Whether this approach will yield long-term benefits for China remains to be seen, especially as countries like Vietnam continue to weigh the costs of deeper integration with Beijing.

In the broader context, the United States continues to push back against China's growing influence in Asia, with some U.S. officials warning of the dangers of excessive Chinese economic engagement with developing countries. The recent tensions between the U.S. and China over trade, tariffs, and geopolitical influence are set to shape the global economic landscape in the years to come.