Xi Jinping signed a sweeping set of deals with Vietnam to push back on U.S. tariffs. But Vietnam’s deep reliance on U.S. trade may keep it from siding with China.
Key Facts:
- Xi Jinping signed dozens of cooperation deals with Vietnam during a state visit to Hanoi.
- The deals aim to align Vietnam’s infrastructure with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
- Xi’s visit is part of a regional tour including Malaysia and Cambodia to counter U.S. economic pressure.
- Trump recently suspended tariffs for most countries but raised them to 145% on China.
- Vietnam is negotiating to avoid U.S. tariffs set to resume in July.
Rest of the Story: China Vietnam Against US Tariff Pressure
Xi Jinping’s visit to Vietnam is part of a calculated push to form a Southeast Asian bloc that can resist U.S. economic pressure.
During his stop in Hanoi, the Chinese president signed agreements focused on cross-border rail, artificial intelligence, and green technology.
These pacts are designed to link Vietnam’s infrastructure to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and lessen both countries’ exposure to the U.S. tariff regime.
While Xi presented the deals as cooperative and future-focused, the backdrop is one of tension.
President Trump recently increased tariffs on Chinese imports while pausing duties for other trading partners.
Vietnam is trying to preserve ties with both superpowers as it negotiates to avoid new tariffs set to hit in July.
The agreements lack public financial details, and U.S. officials have yet to comment.
Still, the move appears part of China’s broader plan to build a network of trade partnerships that can blunt American influence.
President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to deepening the building of a #ChinaVietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. Let's take a look at what he has said. #XiJinping pic.twitter.com/uzsO21n69x
— Xi's Moments (@XisMoments) April 13, 2025
Commentary: China’s Risky Bet on Regional Trade Blocs
China is making an aggressive play to rally its neighbors against U.S. economic pressure, but the effort may fall flat.
Nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia rely too heavily on U.S. markets to risk aligning themselves openly with China.
The idea of a unified Southeast Asian bloc standing firm against American tariffs is more fantasy than reality.
Vietnam’s economy is deeply export-dependent, and the United States remains one of its largest customers.
Any attempt to choose sides would come with significant consequences, especially if Washington were to reimpose tariffs or restrict market access.
The recent deals may boost regional infrastructure, but they won’t erase Vietnam’s reliance on American consumers.
Xi’s calls for friendship and shared history ring hollow when paired with China’s aggressive behavior.
From Taiwan to the South China Sea, Beijing continues to provoke its neighbors.
These contradictions make it hard for countries like Vietnam to trust China as a long-term economic partner.
While China wants to appear as a leader of a cooperative, tariff-resistant bloc, the reality is far messier.
The smaller nations in this region know they cannot afford to antagonize the United States.
Their best bet is to keep China close but avoid any commitments that could endanger trade with America.
Ultimately, negotiating directly with the U.S.—especially under a Trump administration focused on bilateral deals—offers more economic stability than joining a risky China-centered alliance.
For Vietnam and others, economic self-preservation will win out over political theater.
The Bottom Line: China Vietnam Deals Face U.S. Tariff Reality
China’s push to solidify ties with Vietnam through infrastructure and trade deals is a clear reaction to rising U.S. tariffs.
But the economic reality remains unchanged: nations like Vietnam need the U.S. more than they need China.
Any alignment with Beijing risks economic backlash they can’t afford.
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