Chinese President Xi Jinping has embarked on a significant tour of Southeast Asia, visiting Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. This marks his first state visits of the year, aiming to strengthen regional ties and foster a community with a shared future.
Bolstering Ties in Southeast Asia
Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia are China’s close neighbors and important partners in the region. President Xi’s visits highlight China’s commitment to deepening relationships with these countries.
In Vietnam, the two nations celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. China and Vietnam share a long-standing friendship often described as “camaraderie plus brotherhood.” The visit underscores their dedication to enhancing their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future.
Malaysia holds a special place as the first ASEAN country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China after the founding of ASEAN. President Xi’s visit marks the beginning of the next “50 golden years” of China-Malaysia relations. As Malaysia serves as the rotating chair of ASEAN and the coordinator of China-ASEAN relations this year, the visit signals China’s support for Malaysia’s regional role and a willingness to collaborate on multilateral platforms.
China and Cambodia enjoy an “ironclad friendship,” having established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership as early as 2010. With Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet selecting China for his first official visit after taking office, both nations are set to discuss elevating their relationship, opening a new era of bilateral cooperation.
A Shared Vision for the Region
Despite differences in political systems, development stages, and cultural traditions, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia share a common aspiration for regional peace and development. They also hold a positive attitude toward China’s role in the region. Recent surveys indicate that the public in these countries highly regards China’s economic strength, technological advancements, and its influence in regional and international affairs.
President Xi’s Southeast Asia tour aligns with China’s focus on neighboring countries and the goal of building a community with a shared future. Strengthening ties with ASEAN countries is expected to contribute to the region’s prosperity, stability, and unity.
Enhancing Regional Prosperity and Stability
In the face of global economic challenges, closer cooperation between China and ASEAN countries can help withstand external shocks and ensure robust supply chains. By deepening economic integration, the region can promote shared prosperity.
Moreover, amid rising tensions stirred by external powers, a united front among Southeast Asian nations can safeguard regional peace and stability. Collaborative efforts can counteract unilateralism and protectionism, promoting a harmonious regional environment.
Looking Forward
As significant players in the Global South, China and ASEAN countries have the potential to become a powerful force on the world stage. By fostering closer ties based on mutual benefit and inclusiveness, they can play a larger role in international affairs, uphold fairness and justice, and advocate for a more equal and orderly multipolar world.
