Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday urged Vietnam to “jointly oppose unilateral bullying,” in a pointed remark aimed at US tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, as he kicked off a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia this week. The trip, starting in Vietnam, comes amid escalating trade tensions between Beijing and Washington, with Xi positioning China as a force for global economic stability.
Speaking in Hanoi during a state visit, Xi told Vietnam’s new Communist Party chief To Lam that the two countries must “uphold the stability of the global free trade system” and defend international supply chains against outside pressure. “There are no winners in a trade war,” Xi warned in an editorial published in both Chinese and Vietnamese state media.
Trump recently imposed a sweeping 145% tariff on Chinese goods—raising duties to their highest level yet—while pausing broader global tariffs for 90 days. The move has intensified a trade dispute that already saw China retaliate with its own tariff hikes on American imports, branding Washington’s actions a violation of international norms.
In Hanoi, Xi was warmly welcomed by President Luong Cuong and was treated to an elaborate ceremony with flag-waving crowds and drum performances. He later held talks with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, signing several cooperation agreements, including on rail projects and supply chain development.
Vietnam, which balances ties with both the US and China, has emerged as a key player in the global reshuffle of manufacturing supply chains. Despite political alignment with Beijing, Hanoi has also upgraded its diplomatic status with Washington in recent years. It was the only nation to host both Biden and Xi in 2023.
Even so, Trump’s tariffs have placed Vietnam in a delicate position. US officials have accused it of being a “backdoor” for Chinese exports, leading to its own 46% tariffs under Trump’s order—though temporarily paused.
Speaking in Hanoi during a state visit, Xi told Vietnam’s new Communist Party chief To Lam that the two countries must “uphold the stability of the global free trade system” and defend international supply chains against outside pressure. “There are no winners in a trade war,” Xi warned in an editorial published in both Chinese and Vietnamese state media.
Trump recently imposed a sweeping 145% tariff on Chinese goods—raising duties to their highest level yet—while pausing broader global tariffs for 90 days. The move has intensified a trade dispute that already saw China retaliate with its own tariff hikes on American imports, branding Washington’s actions a violation of international norms.
In Hanoi, Xi was warmly welcomed by President Luong Cuong and was treated to an elaborate ceremony with flag-waving crowds and drum performances. He later held talks with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, signing several cooperation agreements, including on rail projects and supply chain development.
Vietnam, which balances ties with both the US and China, has emerged as a key player in the global reshuffle of manufacturing supply chains. Despite political alignment with Beijing, Hanoi has also upgraded its diplomatic status with Washington in recent years. It was the only nation to host both Biden and Xi in 2023.
Even so, Trump’s tariffs have placed Vietnam in a delicate position. US officials have accused it of being a “backdoor” for Chinese exports, leading to its own 46% tariffs under Trump’s order—though temporarily paused.
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