Chinese President Xi Jinping will embark on a pivotal five-day diplomatic tour to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia starting Monday, marking his first overseas trip of 2024. The visits signal China's renewed commitment to strengthening regional partnerships amid evolving global dynamics.
Strategic Partnerships in Focus
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian called the visits crucial for deepening ties with ASEAN members, emphasizing China's neighborhood-focused diplomacy. The tour aligns with Beijing's vision for building "a community with a shared future" – a recurring theme in China's recent regional engagements.
Vietnam: 75 Years of Socialist Brotherhood
Xi's visit to Hanoi coincides with 75 years of China-Vietnam diplomatic relations. Bilateral trade surged to $260.65 billion in 2024, with Chinese investments exceeding $2.5 billion. The neighbors aim to upgrade their "strategically significant" partnership established during Xi's 2023 visit.
Malaysia: Economic Powerhouse Collaboration
As Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, China recorded $212.04 billion in bilateral trade last year. The visit follows recent agreements on creating a high-level strategic partnership, with negotiations expected to address technology transfer and agricultural exports like durian and mangosteen.
Cambodia: Cementing Ironclad Ties
Phnom Penh prepares to welcome Xi for the first time since 2016, following Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's symbolic 2023 Beijing visit. China remains Cambodia's top investor, with 2024 trade hitting $15.1 billion – a 23.8% annual increase fueled by their groundbreaking free trade agreement.
Analysts suggest the tour could reshape regional economic architecture ahead of key ASEAN meetings, while demonstrating China's active engagement in South-South cooperation initiatives.
