In a significant state visit scheduled for next week, Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to embark on a five‐day tour across Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. This will be his first foreign trip this year, marking a renewed push to strengthen bonds with neighboring countries.
At a recent central conference on neighborhood work, President Xi emphasized the importance of building a community with a shared future with the region. "Neighboring countries are a top diplomatic priority," noted spokesperson Lin Jian, stressing that China and Southeast Asian nations are not only good neighbors but also trusted friends and partners.
Vietnam: Camaraderie and Economic Momentum
During his state visit to Vietnam from Monday to Tuesday, President Xi will coincide his journey with the 75th anniversary of established diplomatic ties. This marks his fourth state visit to Vietnam as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and as President. The relationship has evolved into one of mutual trust, with bilateral trade reaching an impressive $260.65 billion in 2024—a 13.5% increase year on year. In addition, Chinese enterprises have boosted direct investments surpassing $2.5 billion, solidifying Vietnam as a key destination for overseas investment.
Malaysia: A Model of Win-Win Cooperation
President Xi is also headed to Malaysia, where the two sides have maintained robust high-level exchanges ever since Xi's last visit in 2013. The deepening relationship has seen China remain Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with trade volume hitting an all-time high of $212.04 billion in 2024. Enhanced by practical cooperation and cultural exchanges, this visit is expected to further elevate ties and contribute to a high-level strategic partnership.
Cambodia: Cementing an Ironclad Friendship
The tour will conclude in Cambodia, where President Xi last paid a state visit in 2016. With ongoing projects, such as the Industrial Development Corridor and the "Fish and Rice Corridor," cooperation between China and Cambodia continues to progress. The bilateral trade volume reached $15.1 billion in 2024, up 23.8% year on year, and the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect in early 2022, has reinforced the economic and strategic partnership between the two nations.
As President Xi visits these Southeast Asian neighbors, both sides are poised to engage in discussions covering political mutual trust, security, cultural exchanges, and economic cooperation. The trip is expected to inject fresh impetus into regional peace, prosperity, and a unified approach towards achieving a shared future.
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President Xi to visit Southeast Asia in first foreign trip this year
cgtn.com
