Xi’s upcoming ASEAN tour aims to deepen regional ties as it comes at a crucial time in international politics.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia will be his first international trips of the year. According to the Chinese foreign ministry, these visits are crucial for strengthening China’s ties with these three nations and the broader ASEAN community.
Spokesperson Lin Jian stated during a press briefing that the visits aim to boost peace and development both regionally and globally.
President Xi, who also leads the Communist Party of China, will visit Vietnam from April 14–15 at the invitation of Vietnamese leaders To Lam and Luong Cuong.
Following Vietnam, Xi will make state visits to Malaysia and Cambodia from April 15–18, at the invitation of Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni.
Lin emphasized that China places great value on diplomacy with its neighbors and views Southeast Asia as a region with shared destiny, highlighting the longstanding partnership between China and ASEAN nations.
He referred to a recent key meeting focused on neighborhood diplomacy, reaffirming China’s commitment to principles of goodwill, mutual benefit, and cooperation with nearby countries to promote development and mutual trust.
Lin noted that China and Vietnam, as neighboring socialist countries undergoing reform, share common goals. Their cooperation and unity are mutually beneficial.
During Xi’s Vietnam visit, he will meet top leaders including General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.
China hopes this visit will deepen the brotherly relationship with Vietnam, boost strategic trust, enhance cooperation, and build a stronger China-Vietnam community with a shared future.
Lin highlighted that both China and Malaysia, as significant Asia-Pacific economies, have enjoyed a robust partnership under the guidance of their leaders. In 2023, both nations committed to forming a shared future community.
President Xi’s visit marks his return to Malaysia after 12 years and symbolizes a key milestone in bilateral ties. He will meet with King Sultan Ibrahim and hold discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
China sees this visit as an opportunity to strengthen political and security ties with Malaysia, align development goals, expand cultural exchanges, and enhance collaboration on regional and global matters.
Calling Cambodia a time-tested ally, Lin said China-Cambodia relations have reached a new level, guided by both nations’ top leadership.
Xi will meet with Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni, former Queen Monineath Sihanouk, Senate President Hun Sen, and Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The two nations will discuss a refreshed vision for their bilateral relations, focusing on political trust, economic cooperation, security, cultural ties, and strategic alignment.
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