President Xi Jinping calls for closer China-Asean trade ties during his Malaysia visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for Asean nations to unite in resisting geopolitical confrontation, unilateralism and protectionism. Xi made the remarks in Malaysia on April 16, 2025. The visit comes as countries scramble to respond to sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump earlier in the month. Xi’s state visit is part of a three-nation Southeast Asian trip that also includes Vietnam and Cambodia, to consolidate Beijing’s ties with some of its closest neighbours amid a deterioration of Washington’s international relations.