Asean’s China trade play: buy less, sell more amid US tensions

[HO CHI MINH CITY] Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visits to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia this week signal a push by Beijing to deepen supply chain and trade ties with South-east Asia. This comes as the region is navigating rising US tariff threats and scrutiny over its role in global transhipment routes.

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, China is extending its offer as a major import market and key regional supply chain node for Asean’s 10 member states. Meanwhile, some countries in the bloc – under pressure to address the US’ concerns over origin fraud – are weighing barriers on some Chinese trade.

The shifting dynamics are putting Asean in a delicate position. It is caught between its two largest trading partners – the US and China – while trying to preserve its appeal as a stable, open trade hub.