Xi Jinping strengthens ties with Vietnam amid U.S. tariffs

On April 14, 2025, in Vietnam, China's President Xi Jinping commenced a significant diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia, starting with Vietnam. This visit was crucial as it aimed to enhance economic cooperation and reaffirm China's role in global trade amidst the ongoing trade conflict with the U.S. President Donald Trump had recently imposed tariffs, which had led to significant confusion in the global trading system. The tariffs particularly affected Vietnam, with the U.S. imposing a hefty 46% tariff before putting it on hold for 90 days. During this period, Xi's trip serves as an opportunity for China to position itself as a stable trading partner in contrast to the U.S., facilitating discussions around trade, investments, and mutual cooperation in areas such as agriculture. In 2024, trade between China and Vietnam had surged by 14.6%, making China a vital partner for Vietnam's economy and vice versa. Xi's visit featured high-profile meetings with Vietnamese leaders, emphasizing the importance of Vietnam in China's regional strategy, especially given the complexities of U.S. tariffs that have forced Southeast Asia to seek more resilient partnerships. This tour is expected to conclude with Xi's travel to Malaysia and Cambodia, aiming to secure alliances that could mitigate the effects of the U.S. tariffs on regional economies and bolster geopolitical influence.