From 14 to 18 April, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia conveyed a clear message: China’s engagement with Southeast Asia is rooted not merely in trade and infrastructure, but also mutual respect, strategic trust, and a shared vision for regional stability and prosperity.

At a time of global economic headwinds and mounting geopolitical uncertainty — escalated by the US tariffs threat — the unity and co-operation between China and ASEAN nations are not only timely, but vital.

Xi’s visits to Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, and Phnom Penh were far from merely ceremonial. They delivered tangible outcomes: leaders signed dozens of bilateral agreements across strategic sectors, including infrastructure, agricultural, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, education, and people-to-people exchanges. These agreements underscore China’s approach not to lecture or impose conditions, but to listen, support, and grow together with its neighbours.

In Vietnam, Xi was personally welcomed at the airport by President Luong Cuong on 14 April. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh saw him off when he left the next day. During bilateral meetings, Vietnamese leaders used some of the strongest language in recent years to describe the China-Vietnam relationship, saying that “developing ties with China is a strategic choice and top priority for Vietnam”. Meanwhile, Xi called on China and Vietnam to oppose “unilateral bullying” to support the global free trade system.

In Malaysia, leaders jointly advocated for openness over division. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim openly criticised the rising tide of “economic tribalism”, praising China as a “reliable and trusted leader”. Xi, in turn, affirmed China’s shared commitment with Malaysia to uphold the vision of a united, peaceful, and prosperous Asian family.

In Cambodia, the two sides pledged to build a high-quality, all-weather community with a shared future in the new era. They signed 37 co-operation agreements covering trade, infrastructure, agriculture, education, and tourism and public health. This deepening co-operation reflects bilateral strategic alignment and mutual trust.

Xi’s warm reception in all three nations demonstrates more than the strength of state-to-state relations – it reflects deep cultural affinity and shared aspirations.

China’s deepening engagement with Southeast Asia takes on added significance in light of the United States’ escalating tariff war.

Washington’s recent decision to impose a 10% tariff on all trade partners, along with so-called “reciprocal tariffs” as high as 245% on Chinese imported goods, 46% on goods from Vietnam, 24% on Malaysia, and 49% on Cambodia — temporarily paused for 90 days except for China — underscores the erratic nature of US trade policy and an intensifying trend of unilateralism and economic hegemony.

Such measures are more likely to harm the US than China and developing countries with less economic leverage. Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia, all ASEAN nations, many of which have close links to Chinese value chains, would also bear the burden when the global trade environment becomes unstable and politicised.

Xi’s message during this visit is timely and critical: in the face of rising protectionism, regional countries must unite to safeguard multilateralism and open co-operation. China is committed to working with ASEAN to build a resilient regional economy, resist the decoupling agenda, and jointly reject any attempt to divide Asia.

For Southeast Asia, choosing co-operation over confrontation is not about taking sides in great power rivalry. It is about prioritising regional peace and pursuing national interests through diplomacy and development – not division.

China and Southeast Asia’s future is intertwined. In this moment of global flux, our region has a historic opportunity to set an example for the world – not through dominance, but through partnership.

China will always stand firm with its Southeast Asian neighbours.