Chinese President Xi Jinping has concluded a high-level state visit to Vietnam, signaling a strengthened alliance between the two Communist-ruled neighbors as both face mounting economic pressure from newly imposed U.S. tariffs. The visit marks the beginning of Xi’s broader Southeast Asian diplomatic tour, which includes stops in Malaysia and Cambodia.
During his two-day stay in Hanoi, President Xi met with Vietnam's top leadership, including Communist Party General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Together, they witnessed the signing of 45 agreements covering cooperation in key sectors such as infrastructure, artificial intelligence, energy, and supply chain integration.
One of the most prominent outcomes was Vietnam’s decision to accept Chinese loans to build new railway lines that will connect the two countries. This infrastructure deal is seen as a move to boost bilateral trade and deepen economic ties. Additionally, Vietnam has approved the use of China’s domestically manufactured COMAC aircraft in its airspace. Vietnamese budget airline VietJet signed a memorandum of understanding to lease two of COMAC’s new C909 passenger jets.
The talks come at a time when both nations are under pressure from Washington. The United States recently imposed a 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods and has proposed new tariffs of up to 46 percent on Vietnamese exports, targeting what it claims are unfair trade practices and transshipment activities. In response, Vietnam is implementing stricter regulations to ensure the authenticity of its "Made in Vietnam" labels in order to avoid U.S. penalties.
President Xi, in a public statement during the visit, denounced protectionist trade measures and emphasized the need for cooperation, declaring that “there are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars.” His remarks underscore China's efforts to solidify regional alliances as global trade tensions escalate.
The leaders also addressed sensitive geopolitical issues, particularly disputes in the South China Sea. While both nations have rival claims over parts of the maritime region, they agreed to work toward mutually acceptable solutions and to avoid actions that could heighten tensions. Vietnam also expressed its intent to expand defense and security cooperation with China, further signaling a broadening of strategic engagement beyond economic ties.
President Xi’s visit to Vietnam and his wider tour of Southeast Asia highlight China’s diplomatic strategy to reinforce its influence in the region amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics. With the global trade environment growing more uncertain, the evolving partnership between China and Vietnam could set the tone for how regional powers respond to external pressure and seek greater independence in shaping their futures.