Xi Jinping urges regional unity amid rising US-China tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for regional solidarity under the concept of an "Asian family" during his tour of Southeast Asia, a move seen as a response to increasing pressure from the United States on nations to reduce economic ties with China.

Xi arrived in Phnom Penh on Thursday, concluding a three-country visit just as the US administration under President Donald Trump seeks support from trade partners to limit Beijing’s global manufacturing influence.
In a speech delivered at a state banquet in Malaysia the previous evening, Xi underscored the importance of regional cooperation and warned against geopolitical rivalries. “China and Malaysia, along with other nations in the region, will stand united against the tides of bloc-based confrontation,” he said from Putrajaya. “We will work together to protect the future of our Asian family.”
Reinforcing this message, China and Malaysia issued a joint statement on Thursday announcing plans to expand collaboration in key sectors including industry, supply chains, data sharing, and human capital development. Both sides committed to executing their Five-Year Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation and pledged to strengthen their strategic partnership.
In an article published in Cambodian media ahead of his arrival in Phnom Penh, Xi reiterated his opposition to unilateral actions in international trade—a clear reference to US policies. This comes as tensions between Beijing and Washington escalate, with reports indicating the US is urging allies to impose secondary tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for trade benefits.
Recent tariff hikes—up to 145% by the US and retaliatory duties of around 125% from China—have further strained relations between the two global powers.
China’s diplomatic campaign appears to be yielding results. Following Xi’s visit, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim voiced strong support for Beijing, calling Xi an “extraordinary leader” and opposing any moves toward Taiwanese independence. Anwar also stated that ASEAN nations would resist unilateral tariffs, signaling regional backing for China as Malaysia chairs the bloc.
Xi began his tour in Vietnam earlier in the week, where leaders welcomed him warmly and signed 45 agreements to deepen economic engagement. In a joint declaration, Hanoi and Beijing expressed opposition to unilateralism and any actions that could jeopardize regional peace.