Xi Jinping Champions Free Trade During Southeast Asia Tour: What’s at Stake?
Xi Jinping's Southeast Asia Tour: A Push for Free Trade
Bangkok: This week, Xi Jinping is advocating for free trade as he travels through Southeast Asia, positioning China as a beacon of 'stability and certainty.'
His journey commenced in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he is scheduled for a three-day visit, concluding with a stop in Cambodia.
On Monday, he received a grand welcome in Hanoi from Vietnam's President Luong Cuong.
During his time in Hanoi, Xi met with To Lam, the General Secretary of Vietnam's Communist Party, emphasizing that both nations contribute to global stability in these 'turbulent times.'
He also honored Ho Chi Minh, the founder of the Vietnamese Communist Party, at his mausoleum.
Xi remarked, 'As beneficiaries of economic globalization, China and Vietnam should enhance their strategic partnership, oppose unilateral bullying, uphold the global free trade framework, and maintain stability in global industrial and supply chains,' according to a statement from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two countries formalized several agreements on supply chain cooperation and a joint railway initiative, with Xi promising improved access for Vietnamese agricultural products to China, although specifics of the agreements were not disclosed.
US President Donald Trump expressed discontent regarding the meeting, which occurred shortly after his tariffs disrupted global markets, causing widespread concern among governments.
In response to the meeting, Trump accused China and Vietnam of conspiring against the United States.
While in Malaysia, Xi is anticipated to discuss a free trade agreement with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as Malaysia holds the chairmanship this year.
On Wednesday, Xi will meet with King Sultan Ibrahim and later with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn informed Chinese state media that the agreement aims to reduce numerous tariffs between China and ASEAN member states. 'We will aim to eliminate many tariffs and expand to all sectors,' he stated in an interview with CGTN.
Malaysia hosts several projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, including an $11.2 billion railway project funded by China. Additionally, China is Malaysia's largest trading partner and a key source of foreign investment.
Xi's visit appears to have been planned prior to the tariff announcements that have shaken the global economy.
'From China's viewpoint, this is primarily about reinforcing its influence in the region, with Southeast Asia being a crucial trading partner,' noted Oh Ei Sun, a senior fellow at Singapore's Institute of International Affairs.
The timing of the trip, along with the fact that Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia have all been affected by Trump's tariffs, allows Beijing to showcase its role as a 'responsible' superpower, a long-standing narrative for China.
'China can provide significant support to Vietnam and other ASEAN nations during this unstable period,' stated Nguyen Thanh Trung, a professor of Vietnamese studies at Fulbright University, Vietnam. 'I believe China can take on a leadership role.'
Anwar has referred to China as a 'true friend' during Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit in June and has traveled to China three times since assuming office in November 2022.
However, China's claims over the South China Sea remain contentious with both Vietnam and Malaysia. Anwar pledged last September that Malaysia would not yield to China's demands to halt its oil and gas exploration in a resource-rich maritime area within its territorial waters.