Chinese President Xi Jinping called for stronger industrial and supply chain cooperation with Vietnam and wider collaboration in emerging fields, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday, amid heightened trade tensions prompted by hefty U.S. tariffs, Reuters reported.
Xi starts a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia this week, beginning his state visits with Vietnam from April 14 to 15.
China hiked its levies on imports of U.S. goods to 125% on Friday, hitting back at U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to single out the world's No. 2 economy for higher duties.
Xi also urged strengthening coordination and cooperation through regional initiatives such as the East Asia Cooperation and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, the ministry said, citing an article by the Chinese leader published in Vietnam media, according to Reuters.
