Chinese President Xi Jinping is using his latest diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia to promote the idea of an “Asian family” and regional unity, in a clear bid to counter mounting US pressure on countries to limit their economic ties with Beijing, reports Bloomberg.
Speaking at a state dinner in Malaysia on Wednesday, Xi emphasised solidarity against geopolitical tensions, declaring, “Together we will safeguard the bright prospects of our Asian family.”
Deepening economic ties with Malaysia
During his Malaysia visit, Xi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim oversaw the signing of multiple agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, supply chains, and talent exchange. A joint statement reaffirmed their commitment to implementing a Five-Year Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation and establishing a “high-level strategic Malaysia-China community.”
Subtle jabs at US influence
Ahead of his arrival in Phnom Penh on Thursday, Xi penned an article in Cambodian media warning against “hegemonism” and external interference — a veiled reference to the United States. He called on regional neighbors to reject power politics and resist efforts by outside forces to sow discord within Southeast Asia.
Trade war tensions escalate
Xi’s diplomatic outreach comes as US-China trade tensions escalate. The Trump administration has unveiled a major new tariff of up to 245% on Chinese imports, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing trade dispute between Washington and Beijing. According to a fact sheet released by the White House late Tuesday, the measure is a direct response to China’s recent export curbs and retaliatory duties.
“China now faces up to a 245% tariff on imports to the United States as a result of its retaliatory actions,” the statement noted, framing the decision as a key pillar of President Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ trade agenda aimed at protecting US industries and workers.
Bloomberg reported Washington is now seeking to rally trade partners to isolate China economically, potentially imposing secondary tariffs on Chinese exports.
Diplomatic wins in the region
The Chinese leader’s trip marks his first overseas tour of the year, strategically targeting Southeast Asian nations. In a show of alignment, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar publicly praised Xi, voiced opposition to Taiwanese independence, and rejected unilateral trade sanctions. Earlier in the week, Xi secured 45 economic agreements in Vietnam and a statement opposing unilateralism and moves jeopardizing regional peace — maintaining Hanoi’s cautious yet cooperative stance with Beijing.
Xi’s Southeast Asia charm offensive underscores China’s intent to keep regional allies close amid intensifying global economic and strategic rivalries.