Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to safeguard Asia’s regional stability amid US trade retaliation, promising more trade cooperation with Southeast Asian countries during his tour of the region.
China‘s Xi Jinping Vows to Safeguard Asia Amid Trump Tariffs
Chinese President Xi Jinping has promised more trade cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia, during his ongoing tour of the region. The visit comes as the US has imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods.
Xi Jinping was born on June 15, 1953, in Beijing, China.
He rose to prominence after the death of Jiang Zemin in 2002.
In 2013, Xi became the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of the People's Republic of China.
He has implemented various policies, including the Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at enhancing China's global influence.
Under his leadership, China has experienced rapid economic growth and urbanization.
Xi has also consolidated power, eliminating term limits for the presidency in 2018.
Xi held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at a state dinner in Putrajaya, where he pledged to be a collaborative partner and stand alongside his Southeast Asian neighbors amid global economic shocks. He emphasized that China would not back down from its commitment to strengthen strategic resolve and uphold the global free trade system.
A Region Divided
The visit is seen as part of Xi‘s ‘charm offensive’ in Southeast Asia, aimed at countering the US’s push for tariffs on Chinese goods. The region is divided over the issue, with some countries, like Vietnam and Cambodia, welcoming China’s economic cooperation, while others, such as Malaysia, have expressed concerns about losing market access.
Malaysia‘s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim issued a thinly veiled criticism against the US under President Donald Trump, stating that ‘market access is being weaponized.’ He welcomed Xi‘s visit, saying that it was a sign of the world yearning for steadiness, reliability, and a common purpose.
A Free Trade Agreement on the Table
During his talks with Malaysian leaders, Xi also discussed a free trade agreement between China and ASEAN member states. Vietnam and Cambodia are members of ASEAN, while Malaysia is this year’s chairperson. The agreement aims to boost economic cooperation and create new opportunities for businesses in the region.
A free trade agreement (FTA) is a pact between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers.
The goal of an FTA is to increase trade between participating nations by promoting economic cooperation and competition.
FTAs often cover areas such as customs procedures, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and intellectual property rights.
According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), there are over 300 active FTAs worldwide, with many more in negotiation.
The visit has been seen as an effort by Xi to establish Beijing as a more reliable partner amid growing uncertainty. However, China‘s territorial claims in the South China Sea remain a point of concern with both Vietnam and Malaysia.
A Test of Diplomacy
Xi‘s Southeast Asia tour is a test of diplomacy for the Chinese president, who has promised to strengthen strategic resolve and uphold the global free trade system. The visit comes as the world grapples with the impact of US tariffs on global trade and economic growth.
As Xi continues his diplomatic tour, it remains to be seen how Southeast Asian countries will respond to China’s overtures. Will they accept Beijing’s offer of greater market access and cooperation, or will they maintain their distance? The outcome will have significant implications for regional politics and the global economy.
China is the world's most populous country, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion people.
Its economy has experienced rapid growth over the past few decades, making it the second-largest in the world after the United States.
The country has invested heavily in infrastructure development, including high-speed rail networks and major ports.
China also plays a significant role in international relations, being a founding member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and a key player in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
