Xi Jinping advocates for ‘Asian Family’ amidst US pressure on trade relations

BEIJING, CHINA: During a visit to Southeast Asia, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the idea of an “Asian Family” and called for greater regional unity, seemingly in response to US efforts urging nations to restrict trade relations with China.

Xi arrived in Phnom Penh on Thursday, marking the final stop of his three-nation tour as the Trump administration prepares to rally trade partners against Beijing. In a speech delivered at a state dinner in Malaysia, where comprehensive agreements were signed, Xi underscored the importance of solidarity.

“China and Malaysia will unite with countries across the region to address the geopolitical and bloc-based tensions,” Xi stated in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s administrative capital. “Together, we will protect the promising future of our Asian family.”

This diplomatic endeavour was bolstered by a joint statement issued on Thursday, in which China and Malaysia agreed to bolster collaboration in industry, supply chains, data, and talent. They also committed to implementing a Five-Year Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation and to establishing a “high-level strategic Malaysia-China community.”

China says it will ignore US ‘tariff numbers game’

In a pointed critique of the US, Xi reiterated his commitment to opposing unilateralism in an article published in Cambodian media just before his arrival in the capital. “We must collectively stand against hegemonism and power politics,” he wrote, stressing the need for both neighbors to resist any external interference in their domestic affairs.
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Xi’s remarks come as Beijing contends with a worsening trade war with the US. Washington is reportedly preparing to urge countries to take measures to diminish China’s manufacturing capabilities, including imposing secondary tariffs on Chinese products in return for tariff concessions.

Southeast Asia was chosen as the location for Xi’s first overseas trip of the year, as he aims to prevent these nations from entering agreements with the US that could undermine China’s interests. Despite a temporary 90-day reprieve, Trump’s threats of steep tariff increases have compelled many regional governments to navigate their relationships with the two superpowers cautiously.

Demonstrating Xi’s early success in diplomacy, China’s foreign ministry released a statement suggesting he received strong support from Malaysia. The regional tour commenced in Vietnam on Monday, where Xi was warmly welcomed and 45 trade agreements were signed to strengthen economic relations.