Chinese President Xi Jinping called for stronger industrial and supply chain cooperation with Vietnam and wider collaboration in emerging fields, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday, amid heightened trade tensions prompted by hefty U.S. tariffs.
Xi starts a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia this week, beginning his state visits with Vietnam from April 14 to 15.
The trip comes with an aim to consolidate economic ties with some of China’s closest neighbours at a time when the world’s top two economies are locked in a tariff tussle.
China hiked its levies on imports of U.S. goods to 125% on Friday, hitting back at U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to single out the world’s No. 2 economy for higher duties.
Xi also urged strengthening coordination and cooperation through regional initiatives such as the East Asia Cooperation and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, the ministry said, citing an article by the Chinese leader published in Vietnam media.
He called such efforts necessary to “inject more stability and positive energy into a chaotic and intertwined world”.
“There are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars, and protectionism has no way out,” Xi said, without mentioning the U.S. specifically.
