State visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia expected to strengthen diplomatic ties and advance shared development goals
BEIJING, April 13, 2025 – Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to embark on a five-day tour across Southeast Asia next week, with official visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Marking his first international trip of the year, the visits are expected to deepen China’s diplomatic relationships and infuse fresh momentum into regional peace, development, and cooperation.
The announcement, made by China’s Foreign Ministry on Friday, comes shortly after President Xi emphasized building “a community with a shared future” among neighboring nations during a central conference on neighborhood diplomacy.
“Neighboring countries have always been a priority in China’s foreign policy,” said ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. “China and Southeast Asian nations share strong bonds as good neighbors, good friends, and close partners with a common destiny.”
Vietnam: Celebrating 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties
Xi’s visit to Vietnam from Monday to Tuesday will mark his fourth state visit to the country as Chinese President and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China. The trip coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two socialist nations, which Beijing has described as embodying “camaraderie plus brotherhood.”
During Xi’s last visit in December 2023, both nations agreed to elevate ties by forming a China-Vietnam community with strategic significance. Bilateral trade has grown steadily, surpassing $260 billion in 2024—a 13.5% increase from the previous year. China remains Vietnam’s top trading partner, while Vietnam holds the same position for China within ASEAN.
In addition, Chinese direct investment in Vietnam exceeded $2.5 billion in 2024, further positioning the country as a key destination for China’s outbound investment.
Malaysia: Strengthening a Decade-Old Strategic Partnership
President Xi’s return to Malaysia will be his first since 2013, when both countries elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. A decade later, he and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed their commitment to building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.
China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching a record $212 billion in 2024. Agricultural exports, particularly tropical fruits like durians and mangosteens, have also gained popularity among Chinese consumers.
Lin Jian emphasized that the upcoming visit will enhance high-level coordination on regional and international matters, deepen strategic alignment, and promote solidarity within the Global South.
Cambodia: A Deepening ‘Ironclad’ Friendship
Xi’s final stop will be Cambodia, where he last paid a state visit in 2016. His trip follows a strong show of diplomatic goodwill in 2023, when newly appointed Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet selected China for his first overseas visit.
China and Cambodia have continued to advance their “ironclad friendship,” achieving notable progress in several cooperation initiatives, including the Diamond Hexagon framework, the Industrial Development Corridor, and the Fish and Rice Corridor. China has remained Cambodia’s largest investor and trade partner for multiple years.
The China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement, enacted in 2022, has further boosted economic ties. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $15.1 billion—a 23.8% year-on-year increase.
During the visit, President Xi and Cambodian leaders are expected to engage in extensive discussions covering political trust, security, cultural exchanges, economic cooperation, and strategic coordination.
