BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping (pic) called for stronger cooperation with Vietnam in industrial and supply chains and wider collaboration in emerging fields, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Monday (April 13).
Xi starts a three-nation tour of South-East Asia this week, beginning his state visits with Vietnam from April 14 to 15.
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.
He called such efforts necessary to "inject more stability and positive energy into a chaotic and intertwined world".
"There are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars, and protectionism has no way out," Xi said, but did not mention the United States.
"We must firmly safeguard the multilateral trading system, maintain the stability of the global industrial and supply chains, and maintain the international environment for open cooperation," he said.
In the article, Xi said China welcomes more high-quality imports from Vietnam and encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in the Southeast Asian country.
Both countries should expand cooperation in emerging fields such as 5G, artificial intelligence and green development, the article said. - Reuters
