Chinese President Xi Jinping's first overseas visits of 2024 to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia will focus on strengthening partnerships and advancing shared development goals, China's Foreign Ministry announced on Friday. The trip marks a pivotal step in reinforcing Beijing's "neighborhood diplomacy" strategy amid evolving regional dynamics.
Strategic Visits to ASEAN Partners
Xi, also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will begin his state visit to Vietnam on April 14 at the invitation of Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong. He will then proceed to Malaysia and Cambodia, where discussions with King Sultan Ibrahim and King Norodom Sihamoni are expected to address economic collaboration and multilateral coordination.
Accelerating Regional Collaboration
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that China views Southeast Asian nations as "good neighbors and partners" in building a "community with a shared future." The visits follow China's recent central conference on neighboring-country relations, which reaffirmed commitments to mutual development through trade, infrastructure projects, and cultural exchanges.
A Vision for Peace and Prosperity
Experts anticipate the talks will yield agreements on cross-border connectivity and green energy initiatives. "These engagements demonstrate China's prioritization of regional stability," Lin stated, adding that the dialogue aims to "inject new momentum" for conflict resolution and sustainable growth across Asia.
