China’s President Xi Jinping recently visited Vietnam with a strong message. He told Vietnamese leaders that both countries should work together to fight against what he called “unilateral bullying.” While he didn’t name any country directly, it was clear he was referring to the United States.
Xi said this during a meeting with Vietnam’s top leaders, where he spoke about keeping the world’s trade system fair and open. He wants to protect the way countries do business with each other, especially as tensions rise between China and the United States.
The timing of Xi’s visit is important. Right now, the US and China are involved in a serious trade fight. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has recently added huge taxes—called tariffs—on products coming from China. In return, China has done the same to American goods.
Even though Xi’s trip to Vietnam had been planned earlier, it is now seen as much more important. Some believe it’s part of a bigger plan to make China look like a friend to other countries, while the US looks tough and unpredictable.
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During the meeting, Xi also said countries should stick together and keep the supply chains stable. These are the systems that help goods move from factories to stores across the world. Xi’s words seemed aimed at making China look like a steady and reliable partner.
Trump Fires Back With Sharp Words
Back in Washington, President Trump had some strong things to say. He suggested that Xi’s meeting with Vietnam was just a trick. Trump told reporters that the leaders were likely trying to figure out how to “screw the United States of America.”
Even though he said he doesn’t “blame” China or Vietnam, Trump made it clear that he believed both countries were looking out for their own interests—and not America’s.
Trump has been adding more and more tariffs on Chinese goods, with some reaching as high as 145%. These new taxes make it more expensive to buy things from China, like electronics and clothes. The idea is to push companies to buy American-made products instead.
China responded by placing its own high tariffs—up to 125%—on items from the United States. This trade fight is making it harder for companies in both countries to do business smoothly.
There was also confusion recently about whether some tech products, like smartphones and computers, would be excused from the new US tariffs. A government notice said they would not be taxed, but Trump later denied that and said they were just being moved into a different “tariff bucket.”
China Courts Southeast Asia
Xi’s visit to Vietnam is just the first stop on a longer trip. He is also visiting Malaysia and Cambodia. These countries are important for China as it tries to build stronger friendships in Southeast Asia.
In Vietnam, Xi was warmly welcomed. People waved both Chinese and Vietnamese flags as he arrived in the capital city of Hanoi. He later took part in a ceremony at the tomb of Vietnam’s founder and communist leader.
Even though Vietnam is being friendly with China during Xi’s visit, experts say the country will be careful not to upset the United States. The US is also a big trading partner for Vietnam, and the country doesn’t want to take sides.
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After Vietnam, Xi is now in Malaysia. There, he is meeting with leaders, including the country’s King and Prime Minister. It’s also been announced that a Malaysian company, U Mobile, will build the country’s second 5G network using Chinese technology from Huawei and ZTE.
China seems to be showing itself as a helpful partner while the US appears more aggressive with its trade rules. This visit allows Xi to promote China as a country that supports fair trade and reliable partnerships, especially when many are worried about the US’s changing policies.
Xi’s tour continues as both China and the United States try to strengthen ties in a region that plays a key role in global business and politics.
