China and Vietnam have signed a multitude of cooperation agreements, further solidifying the relationship between the two communist-led nations after Chinese leader Xi Jinping cautioned that protectionism “leads nowhere” and that a trade war would yield “no winners”.
Mr. Xi is currently in Vietnam for the initial phase of a Southeast Asia tour, as Beijing aims to position itself as a stable alternative to the unpredictable US President Donald Trump, who recently announced—then largely reversed—significant tariffs this month.
The Chinese president received a warm welcome in Hanoi, featuring a 21-cannon salute, a guard of honor, and rows of flag-waving children at the presidential palace, before engaging in discussions with Vietnam’s leading officials, including General Secretary Tô Lâm.
The two neighboring nations formalized approximately 40 cooperation agreements. While specific details have yet to be disclosed, it was anticipated before the visit that agreements would emerge in sectors such as trade and aviation.
Although reciprocal tariffs on Vietnam and several other countries are currently on hold, China still grapples with significant levies and is striving to strengthen regional trade connections to mitigate their effects during Mr. Xi’s first international trip of the year.
People enthusiastically wave Chinese and Vietnamese flags as the aircraft carrying Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives.
Mr. Xi is set to stay in Vietnam today and tomorrow, after which he will proceed to Malaysia and Cambodia on a tour deemed “of major importance” for the wider region, as stated by Beijing.
During his meeting with Mr. Lâm, Mr. Xi expressed that Vietnam and China are “standing at a turning point in history… and should advance together hand in hand”.
Mr. Xi also emphasized the necessity for both countries to “resolutely safeguard the multilateral trading system, ensure stable global industrial and supply chains, and foster an open and cooperative international environment”.
In an article published in Vietnam’s prominent state-run Nhan Dan newspaper, he reiterated that “a trade war and tariff war will yield no winner, and protectionism will lead nowhere”.
Vietnam’s top leader, Mr. Lâm, stated in an article on the government’s news portal that his country “is always prepared to collaborate with China to make the cooperation between our countries more substantive, profound, balanced, and sustainable”.
‘Bamboo diplomacy’
In 2024, Vietnam emerged as Southeast Asia’s largest buyer of Chinese goods, with a total expenditure of $161.9 billion, followed by Malaysia, which imported Chinese goods worth $101.5 billion.
Strengthening ties with Southeast Asian neighbors could also help mitigate the repercussions of a more closed-off United States, which was the largest single recipient of Chinese goods last year.
This marks Mr. Xi’s first visit to Vietnam since December 2023.
China and Vietnam, both governed by communist parties, already uphold a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” which is the highest diplomatic status recognized by Hanoi.
Vietnam has long adhered to a “bamboo diplomacy” strategy—aiming to maintain amicable relations with both China and the United States.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives for a two-day state visit to Vietnam.
The two nations enjoy close economic ties; however, Hanoi harbors US concerns regarding Beijing’s rising assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea.
China asserts claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, but these claims are contested by the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brunei.
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In his article, the Chinese leader insisted that Beijing and Hanoi could address these disputes through dialogue.
“We should effectively manage our differences and uphold peace and stability in our region,” Mr. Xi wrote.
“With foresight, we are entirely capable of satisfactorily resolving maritime issues through consultation and negotiation,” he stated.
Vietnam’s Mr. Lâm highlighted in his article on the government news portal that “joint endeavors to manage and satisfactorily resolve disagreements… serve as an important stabilizing element in the current complex and unpredictable international and regional landscape”.
Following his visit to Vietnam, Mr. Xi will head to Malaysia from tomorrow to Thursday.
Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil remarked that Mr. Xi’s visit is “part of the government’s efforts… to foster improved trade relations with various countries, including China”.
On Thursday, Mr. Xi will then travel to Cambodia, one of China’s staunchest allies in Southeast Asia, where Beijing has expanded its influence in recent years.
