Xi Jinping Urges Stronger China-Vietnam Cooperation in Supply Chains

China's President Xi Jinping urged for enhanced relations with Vietnam regarding trade and supply chains in the face of disruptions from U.S. tariffs, while he was in Hanoi for the signing of multiple cooperation agreements between the two Communist-led countries.

The trip, organized for weeks and part of a broader Southeast Asia tour, arrives as Beijing confronts 145% U.S. tariffs, while Vietnam is in talks to lower proposed U.S. duties of 46% that would take effect in July after a worldwide moratorium ends.

"The two sides should strengthen cooperation in production and supply chains," Xi stated in an article in Nhandan, the publication of Vietnam's Communist Party, released prior to his arrival on Monday. He additionally emphasized increased trade and improved relations with Hanoi regarding artificial intelligence and the green economy.

Following his meeting with Vietnam's leading figure To Lam, the two nations finalized numerous cooperation agreements, as footage of the reviewed documents by Reuters indicated, which included arrangements to boost supply chains and collaborate on railways.

A memorandum of understanding signed on Monday aims to enhance collaboration between the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which provides certificates verifying the origins of products.

Vietnam serves as a key industrial and assembly center in Southeast Asia. A majority of its imports come from China, whereas its primary export market is the United States. The nation serves as an essential provider of electronics, footwear, and clothing for the United States