Xi of China highlights the need to uphold UN and multilateral systems during his Southeast Asia visit

China’s President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of supporting an international framework centered on the United Nations, trade, and the rule of law during his ongoing tour of Southeast Asia, which comes at a time of significant strain in China-U.S. relations.

Currently in Malaysia, Xi is visiting three Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam and Cambodia, to strengthen relationships with some of China’s nearest neighbors as tensions with the United States rise.

In an opinion article published in Malaysia’s The Star on Tuesday, Xi asserted that a United Nations-led international system, grounded in international law, is essential for fostering “fairer and more equitable global governance.” He stated, “We must uphold the multilateral trading system, ensure the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and maintain an international environment characterized by openness and cooperation.”

These remarks follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprising decision to impose extensive tariffs on various countries shortly after taking office in January. Although some tariffs have been postponed, China is currently facing duties as high as 145%.

As part of his “America First” agenda, Trump has also withdrawn the U.S. from the World Health Organization, diminished the role of USAID, and ceased international aid efforts. In response to the trade conflict, China has indicated its commitment to “tearing down walls” and broadening its network of trading partners.

Malaysia, along with other Southeast Asian countries, has been subjected to an additional 24% tariff on goods exported to the U.S. before Trump announced a 90-day suspension of these tariffs. Malaysian officials are actively seeking relief from the U.S. government.

Xi stated that China aims to collaborate with Malaysia and other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to “combat the undercurrents of geopolitical and camp-based confrontation” and to address “unilateralism and protectionism.” He also highlighted the necessity for continued cooperation between China and Malaysia under the Belt and Road Initiative and other infrastructure investment projects.

In June of last year, China expressed its interest in exploring a proposal to link Malaysia’s $10 billion East Coast Rail Link with other railway initiatives in Laos and Thailand that are backed by China, which could potentially broaden the Belt and Road Initiative throughout Southeast Asia.

According to a report by China’s state-run CCTV on Wednesday, following a meeting between Xi and Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim, Xi indicated that China is open to importing more high-quality agricultural products from Malaysia.

Later on Wednesday, Xi is scheduled to meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and it is anticipated that additional agreements between China and Malaysia will be finalized. Since 2009, China has held the position of Malaysia’s largest trading partner, with total trade reaching 484.1 billion ringgit (approximately $109.65 billion) last year, as reported by Malaysia’s foreign ministry.