Xi Jinping Urges Vietnam to Join China in Opposing Trump's Tariff Tactics

Xi Jinping Urges Vietnam to Join China in Opposing Trump's Tariff Tactics

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on Vietnam to stand with China against what he described as “unilateral bullying,” a clear reference to the trade tariffs recently imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Xi made the remarks at the start of his diplomatic tour through Southeast Asia, beginning in Vietnam, as tensions between Beijing and Washington over trade continue to mount. Xi has framed China as a stabilizing force in the global economy amid these challenges.

During his visit to Hanoi, Xi met with Vietnam’s new Communist Party leader, To Lam, emphasizing the need for both countries to “safeguard the global free trade system” and maintain the integrity of international supply chains. In a joint editorial published in state-run media in both nations, Xi stressed that “no one benefits from a trade war.”

Trump recently raised tariffs on Chinese imports to an unprecedented 145%, intensifying the ongoing trade conflict. The move included a temporary 90-day pause on wider global tariffs. In response, China implemented retaliatory duties on U.S. goods and criticized Washington’s actions as violating established global trade norms.

Xi received a warm reception in Hanoi, where President Luong Cuong welcomed him with an elaborate ceremony, including flag displays and traditional drum performances. He later met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and the two sides signed multiple cooperation agreements, including initiatives related to railway development and supply chain collaboration.

Vietnam has become increasingly important in the shifting landscape of global manufacturing, maintaining close ties with both China and the U.S. Despite its political alignment with Beijing, Hanoi has also strengthened its diplomatic relationship with Washington, becoming the only country to host visits from both Biden and Xi in 2023.

However, Vietnam finds itself in a complex position as Trump’s tariffs ripple through the region. U.S. officials have accused the country of serving as a route for Chinese exports to bypass tariffs, leading to its own set of 46% tariffs under Trump’s directive—though these have been temporarily suspended.