Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to embark on his first overseas trips of the year, visiting Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. These visits are significant milestones aimed at strengthening China’s relationships with its neighbors and promoting peace and development across the region.
According to spokesperson Lin Jian of the Chinese foreign ministry, President Xi’s upcoming travels reflect China’s commitment to fostering strong ties with Southeast Asian nations. “China and Southeast Asia share a common destiny as good neighbors, good friends, and good partners,” Lin stated during a press briefing on Friday.
President Xi will visit Vietnam from April 14 to 15, at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Luong Cuong. Following that, he will travel to Malaysia and Cambodia from April 15 to 18, meeting with King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim and King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia.
The visits are expected to inject new momentum into regional cooperation and collaboration. Recently, a central conference focused on work related to neighboring countries emphasized China’s dedication to principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness in its neighborhood diplomacy. China aims to enhance mutual understanding and trust, promoting joint development and revitalization with its neighbors.
Lin highlighted that these diplomatic efforts are not only crucial for China’s relations with Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia but also for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a whole. The strengthened partnerships are poised to contribute positively to peace and development both regionally and globally.
