Chinese President Xi Jinping began a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia by warning that “no one wins in a trade war,” positioning China as a stabilizing force amid rising U.S. tariffs under President Trump.

In Vietnam, Xi met top leaders and signed deals on supply chains, railroads, and environmental cooperation, highlighting China-Vietnam ties despite tensions like South China Sea disputes.

The visit aims to strengthen China’s regional influence as U.S.-China trade tensions escalate.

Vietnam, balancing ties with both powers, benefits from supply chain shifts but faces pressure due to perceptions it’s a backdoor for Chinese goods, the Associated Press has reported.

Xi will also visit Malaysia and Cambodia.

Written by B.C. Begley