Beijing, 19 April 2025 (Xinhua)

Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing on Friday following a five-day state visit to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia—his first overseas trip of the year. The visit underscored Beijing’s commitment to strengthening neighborhood diplomacy, promoting regional development, and advancing its vision of a shared future with neighboring countries.

Xi was accompanied by senior officials including Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Wang Xiaohong, who returned with him to Beijing.

Throughout the tour, Xi emphasized deepening traditional friendships and expanding practical cooperation, particularly under the framework of building a regional community rooted in mutual benefit, trust, and development. His engagements in each country reflected China’s strategic push for closer ties amid a shifting global landscape.

Vietnam

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s fourth visit to Vietnam in a decade, and his first overseas trip of the year, underscored the enduring strength of China-Vietnam relations. Throughout his visits, Xi has consistently quoted late Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh’s phrase describing the bilateral bond as one of 'camaraderie plus brotherhood'. This sentiment was echoed in his recent speech highlighting the two nations' shared revolutionary legacy and deep-rooted friendship forged through struggles for independence.

Nguyen Vinh Quang of the Vietnam-China Friendship Association called this phrase the clearest reflection of their historical solidarity, citing China’s critical support during Vietnam’s resistance wars. Xi has repeatedly emphasized the importance of passing this traditional friendship to younger generations. In both 2015 and 2023, he met with youth representatives to encourage them to carry the legacy forward.

During this visit, Xi announced a three-year initiative to host Vietnamese youth in China for 'Red Study Tours', aimed at strengthening ties through shared historical exploration. Experts like Dao Ngoc Bau see this as a vital step in deepening generational bonds.

Xi also oversaw the launch of the China-Vietnam railway cooperation mechanism, promoting regional connectivity. Vietnam welcomed enhanced trade infrastructure, viewing it as a boost for economic integration and development.

Malaysia

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim agreed to enhance strategic cooperation, launching a vision for a 'Golden 50 Years' in bilateral relations. Over 30 agreements were signed, covering infrastructure, logistics, and technology—particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), including key projects like the East Coast Rail Link. These initiatives aim to boost job creation and regional development.

President Xi also met with King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, emphasizing the longstanding friendship between the two nations, which he described as rooted in mutual respect and shared values. He highlighted the evolution of China-Malaysia ties over the past five decades as a model of peaceful, win-win cooperation.

The two countries committed to further collaboration on global initiatives such as the Global Development, Security, and Civilization Initiatives. They also pledged to strengthen ASEAN cooperation, jointly resist unilateralism, and promote Global South solidarity.

Dato’ Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, president of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, noted that these strengthened ties reflect a commitment to equality and mutual benefit, underscoring the long-term strategic value of the relationship.

Cambodia

China and Cambodia reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their all-weather partnership, unveiling initiatives such as the 2025 China-Cambodia Year of Tourism and plans to accelerate joint development of the Industrial and Technological Corridor and the Fish and Rice Corridor. Both nations agreed to strengthen cooperation in energy, transportation, clean energy, and trade, including increased use of local currencies and improved supply chain integration.

Key Belt and Road projects like the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway and Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone were highlighted as tangible benefits of the partnership, enhancing infrastructure and local livelihoods. A joint statement also confirmed both sides' dedication to the Global Development, Security, and Civilization Initiatives, with plans to advance railway connectivity and promote regional economic cooperation.

Cambodia expressed support for Hong Kong’s inclusion in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and welcomed China’s Global AI Governance Initiative. Observers noted the visit’s strategic impact, reinforcing China’s role in promoting regional integration and people-focused development. Experts, including Thong Mengdavid of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, viewed the partnership as a model for South-South cooperation. Both countries also pledged continued cultural collaboration, including heritage preservation and promoting mutual tourism.