In a display of renewed neighborhood diplomacy, Chinese President Xi Jinping has embarked on state visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Drawing on the adage "a near neighbor is better than a distant cousin," these trips underscore a commitment to deepening ties in Southeast Asia amid a complex global landscape.
Vietnam takes center stage as the visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and key national milestones. The enduring bond, described as a blend of camaraderie and brotherhood, is set to expand into a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at building a community with a shared future.
Malaysia, one of the earliest ASEAN partners to forge ties with the Chinese mainland, is poised for a new chapter in bilateral relations. With the announcement of the next "50 golden years," and serving as a vital coordinator in regional matters, Malaysia reinforces its role in shaping multilateral collaborations.
Cambodia, having established an "ironclad friendship" with China since 2010, is also stepping into a new era of enhanced bilateral dialogue. Recent engagements suggest that renewed strategic discussions will further transform the relationship into a dynamic model for regional collaboration.
Adding a data-driven dimension, recent surveys jointly conducted by a major communication institute and Renmin University reveal impressive favorability ratings for China's economic prowess and technological strength in Vietnam (97.6% and 98%), Malaysia (94% and 95.8%), and Cambodia (95.7% and 95.9%). These insights echo the collective aspiration for peace, development, and stable growth across this diverse region.
Reference(s):
Xiplomacy in Southeast Asia: China's renewed neighborhood diplomacy
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