Xi Jinping has warned that “no one wins” in a trade war, as he begins a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia aimed at portraying China as a responsible global power, in contrast to the United States under Donald Trump.
The warning appeared in an editorial co-published by Chinese and Vietnamese media, ahead of Xi’s visit to Vietnam. Analysts believe the trip is part of China’s broader effort to present itself as a stabilizing force amid rising global tensions triggered by Trump’s aggressive trade policies.
While Trump recently paused most of the tariffs following a sharp stock market drop, significant duties remain in place on Chinese goods, with some exports facing tariffs as high as 145 percent.
In response, Beijing has imposed its own 125 percent tariffs on U.S. imports and pledged to continue retaliating as needed.
“A trade war or tariff war brings no winners,” Xi wrote, without naming Trump or the U.S. directly, according to the Associated Press.
“Our two countries must firmly uphold the multilateral trading system, safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and promote an open and cooperative international environment.”
“Protectionism leads nowhere,” he added.
Although Xi’s visit to Vietnam was scheduled before the latest round of U.S. tariffs—dubbed the “Liberation Day” tariffs by Trump—the timing adds weight to the trip.
Regional leaders are looking for ways to adapt to shifting global dynamics and shield their economies from the effects of Trump’s policies.
“Xi’s visit is meant to contrast China’s approach with the coercive and self-interested tactics of the U.S.,” said Huong Le-Thu of the International Crisis Group.
“There are high expectations about what kind of leadership China will offer in this moment of crisis.”
Vietnam, though governed by a one-party Communist regime like China, has managed to foster strong ties with the U.S. In 2023, it welcomed both Xi and then-President Joe Biden.
Its economy has benefited from global companies relocating their manufacturing operations away from China and into Vietnam, particularly Hanoi.
Meanwhile, Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro wrote in the Financial Times last week that the U.S. expects countries such as Vietnam, Mexico, and Cambodia to stop helping China bypass U.S. tariffs by trans-shipping goods through their territories.