Chinese President Xi Jinping promoted the idea of an “Asian family” and called for regional unity during a tour of Southeast Asia, in an apparent effort to counter US pressure on nations to limit trade ties with Beijing.
Xi emphasized solidarity in a speech at a state dinner in Malaysia on Wednesday as the Trump administration prepares to seek trade partners’ cooperation in encircling Beijing.
“China and Malaysia will stand with countries in the region to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical and bloc-based confrontation,” Xi said in the Malaysian administrative capital of Putrajaya. “Together we will safeguard the bright prospects of our Asian family.”
This diplomatic push was reinforced by a joint statement released Thursday, in which China and Malaysia agreed to enhance collaboration on industry, supply chains, data and talent. They committed to implementing their Five-Year Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation and building a “high-level strategic Malaysia-China community.”
In another thinly-veiled swipe at the US, the Chinese leader reiterated his call to fight unilateralism in an article published Thursday in Cambodian media ahead of his arrival in Phnom Penh.
“Together we must stand against hegemonism, power politics,” he wrote, adding that the two neighbours should “resolutely oppose any attempts by external forces to interfere in our internal affairs, sow discord.”
See also: Trump says he is reluctant to keep raising tariffs on China
Xi’s comments came as Beijing faces an escalating trade war with the US. Bloomberg News has reported that Washington is preparing to ask countries to take steps to limit China’s manufacturing might, including imposing so-called secondary tariffs on Chinese goods, in exchange for tariff concessions.
Both China and the US appear to be digging in their heels after Trump hiked levies on Chinese goods to as high as 145% and Beijing retaliated with some 125% tariffs on US imports.
Xi’s made Southeast Asia the destination of his first overseas trip of the year, as he seeks to keep the countries from cutting deals with the US at the expense of his nation. Despite a 90-day reprieve, Trump’s threats of drastic tariff hikes have forced many governments in the region to walk an increasingly fine line between the two powers.
See also: Vietnam PM hails 'unique bond' with US days after hosting Xi
Xi’s regional tour began in Vietnam on Monday, when Vietnamese leaders gave Xi a warm welcome and signed 45 deals to deepen economic ties.
Hanoi released a joint statement saying the two sides “oppose unilateralism” and any actions that endanger regional peace and stability — largely keeping to language it has used in the past.
