Xi's Southeast Asia Gambit

During a visit to Vietnam, Chinese President Xi Jinping subtly criticized the trade and tariff policies of the Trump administration. He stated that trade wars and protectionism are unproductive, leading to no winners. Xi emphasized the importance of collaboration and a shared future for humanity, advocating for the China-Vietnam community. This concept includes six key areas: stronger political trust, security cooperation, pragmatic collaboration, a solid public opinion foundation, closer multilateral coordination, and better handling of disagreements. Xi's visit aimed to solidify ties with Vietnam, a strategically important neighbor. The two countries signed 36 cooperation agreements focusing on fields like trade, investment, and infrastructure. This demonstrates China's intent to strengthen its regional influence, particularly amidst increasing geopolitical tensions and the US's Indo-Pacific strategy. Despite historical tensions, both countries are economically intertwined. Vietnam relies on China for manufacturing inputs, and China sees Vietnam as a key partner in its Belt and Road Initiative. Xi's visit signals a commitment to deepening this relationship and counteracting US influence in the region. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/04/15/pave-a15.html