Xi Warns Against Protectionism as He Begins Southeast Asia Tour

Xi Warns Trade Wars Have 'No Winners' as He Begins Southeast Asia Tour

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday cautioned against protectionism and trade conflicts, stating they "lead nowhere" and produce "no winners," according to state media, as he embarked on a regional tour starting with Vietnam.

Marking his first overseas trip of the year, Xi will visit Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia—part of Beijing's strategy to deepen economic ties in Southeast Asia and counter the effects of steep U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

Xi is scheduled to meet the leaders of the three nations on a trip Beijing describes as being of "major importance" for regional cooperation.

In an op-ed published Monday in Vietnam's official Nhan Dan newspaper, Xi emphasized the need for both countries to "resolutely safeguard the multilateral trading system, stable global industrial and supply chains, and an open and cooperative international environment," according to Xinhua.

He reiterated China's stance that protectionist policies and tariff wars are self-defeating, echoing a message he has consistently delivered in response to escalating trade tensions with the United States.

Economic Ties and Diplomatic Strategy

Vietnam was China’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia in 2024, importing $161.9 billion in goods, followed by Malaysia with $101.5 billion. Strengthening regional partnerships may help Beijing cushion the impact of a more inward-looking U.S., which remained China’s biggest export destination last year.

Xi’s visit to Vietnam, lasting Monday and Tuesday, is his first since December 2023. Both nations are led by communist parties and maintain a "comprehensive strategic partnership," Vietnam's highest form of diplomatic engagement.

Hanoi continues its "bamboo diplomacy"—a balancing act to maintain strong ties with both Washington and Beijing. Despite close economic relations, Vietnam shares U.S. concerns over China’s assertive actions in the contested South China Sea.

While China claims nearly the entire sea, parts are also claimed by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. In his article, Xi called for peaceful resolution of maritime disputes, stating, "We should properly manage differences and safeguard peace and stability in our region."

He added that China and Vietnam are "fully capable of properly settling maritime issues through consultation and negotiation."

Regional Outreach

Following his Vietnam visit, Xi will travel to Malaysia from Tuesday to Thursday. Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil described the visit as part of efforts to bolster trade relations with China.

The final leg of Xi’s trip will take him to Cambodia, a close ally of Beijing in Southeast Asia where Chinese influence has grown considerably in recent years.