Amid global shake-ups in trade and mounting uncertainties, Chinese President Xi Jinping's five-day tour of Southeast Asia is delivering a much-needed boost to stability and cooperation. From Vietnam to Malaysia and Cambodia, Xi is laying the groundwork for deeper ties, fresh projects and smoother supply chains across the region.
His first stop, Vietnam, underlines a "community with a shared future" that has driven China-Vietnam relations forward since 2023. This year alone, bilateral trade has soared to $260.65 billion – up 13.5% year-on-year – marking the fourth consecutive year of trade above the $200 billion mark. Xi and Vietnam's leaders have signed 45 cooperation documents spanning connectivity, customs, agriculture, AI and more, while Xi outlined six concrete measures to tighten strategic synergy between the two socialist neighbors.
An analyst in Hanoi notes that the partnership isn't just about numbers but about resilient supply chains, technology exchanges and shared growth in an era of rising protectionism. In their joint statement, both sides pledged to uphold the global free trade system and resist unilateral measures, a move that helps stabilize regional industrial networks amid global governance challenges.
Next up, Malaysia will welcome Xi's proposals for a high-level China-Malaysia community with a shared future – his first visit in 12 years. With fresh initiatives in digital infrastructure, green energy and cultural exchanges, China and Malaysia are eyeing new chapters of innovation-driven growth. In Cambodia, the tour's final leg, both countries will explore connectivity projects that tie ASEAN's emerging markets closer to global trade corridors.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and changemakers, Xi's Southeast Asia tour offers a window into how major powers can drive multilateral cooperation even when global norms are in flux. As the world watches, the outcomes of this trip could shape everything from tech startups to sustainable tourism in ASEAN and beyond.
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Amid global uncertainties, Xi's Southeast Asia trip injects stability
cgtn.com
