China’s Xi Jinping to visit Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia from Apr 14 to 18
His South-east Asia tour comes as Beijing squares off with Washington in an escalating trade war
[BEIJING] Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia next week, Beijing’s foreign ministry said on Friday (Apr 11).
His tour of South-east Asia will last from Apr 14 to 18, a foreign ministry spokesperson said.
His visit to the region comes as Beijing squares off with Washington in an escalating trade war triggered by US President Donald Trump.
Many Chinese exports are now facing 145 per cent tariffs on arrival in the world’s largest economy.
Xi’s visit to Vietnam comes on the invitation of President Luong Cuong, Beijing said. He last visited the country in December 2023.
Vietnam has long pursued a “bamboo diplomacy” approach, striving to stay on good terms with both China and the US.
BT in your inbox
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
It shares US concerns about Beijing’s increasing assertiveness in the contested South China Sea, but it also has close economic ties with China.
Xi’s visit to Malaysia will take place from April 15 to 17, the country’s government announced earlier this week.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said that Xi’s visit was “part of the government’s efforts to see better trade relations with various countries including China”.
SEE ALSO
He will travel on Apr 17 to Cambodia, one of China’s staunchest allies in South-east Asia and where Beijing has extended its influence in recent years, before wrapping up his tour a day later.
Under former leader Hun Sen – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s father – China poured billions of dollars into infrastructure investments, while Washington’s relationship with Phnom Penh deteriorated.
Phnom Penh described Xi’s visit as a “milestone” one that will “further cement the traditional relations of friendship built by successive leaders of both countries”. AFP
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
