Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that “there are no winners in a trade war,” as tensions between Beijing and Washington remain high over tariffs.
Xi began his Southeast Asia tour with a visit to Vietnam on April 14, signaling China’s commitment to global trade despite economic disruptions caused by U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump.
Although Trump has suspended some tariffs, a 145 percent tariff against Chinese imports remains in place. In response, China has imposed an identical 145 percent tariff on American goods.
“There are no winners in a trade war or a tariff war,” Xi wrote in an editorial published in state media outlets in Vietnam and China. “Our countries must firmly safeguard the multilateral trading system, global industrial and supply chains, and maintain an open and cooperative international environment.”
Xi’s Strategic Southeast Asia Tour
Xi is on a two-day visit to Vietnam. While the visit was likely planned earlier, it has gained importance amid the ongoing tariff conflict between the world’s two largest economies.
Vietnam maintains a delicate balance between its relations with China and the United States. Although governed by a single-party communist system like China, Vietnam has built strong ties with Washington.
In 2023, Vietnam was the only country to host both U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Vietnam has also been affected by Trump’s tariffs. Earlier this month, Washington imposed a 46 percent tariff on Vietnamese goods, although enforcement has been suspended for 90 days.
Following his visit to Vietnam, Xi is expected to travel to Malaysia and Cambodia.
