Trump’s trade war tactics have included a 145 per cent tariff on Chinese goods, a move that has exacerbated economic tensions between the two largest economies in the world. Despite some recent tariff pauses by the US, China remains deeply impacted by these trade barriers, especially in its dealings with Southeast Asia.

In a joint editorial with Vietnamese media, Xi emphasised that “there are no winners in a trade war,” advocating for a stable global trading system and open international cooperation. The visit also signifies China’s intent to strengthen its alliances with Southeast Asian nations, which have increasingly become crucial partners in its economic strategy.

China’s regional efforts also serve to distance itself from the US’s approach to global trade, which critics argue is coercive and self-serving. Vietnam, which shares a complex relationship with both China and the US, has found itself in a delicate position amidst the trade war, facing accusations from the US of serving as a conduit for Chinese exports.