FX.co ★ Xi to Begin SE Asia Tour Amid U.S. Tariff Pressures

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to embark on an official visit to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia next week, from April 14 to 18. This will mark his first international trip of the year, aimed at bolstering relations with key Southeast Asian neighbors amidst increasing trade tensions with the United States, as reported by state media on Friday. Xi's trip comes as China contends with substantial U.S. tariffs, recently raised to 145% under President Trump's administration. As a response, China is looking to reinforce its regional alliances, particularly as nations impacted by these tariffs, such as Cambodia (49%), Vietnam (46%), and Malaysia (24%), seek solutions through direct negotiations with Washington. To counter the U.S. tariff policies, China is actively seeking worldwide support, with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and Premier Li Qiang engaging with their counterparts in the EU, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.