China stands with S-E Asia to counter unilateralism, says Xi

Chinese President emphasises importance of unity in preserving region's shared future

- Lu Wei Hoong

KUALA LUMPUR - Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to join hands with Malaysia and the broader South-east Asian region in resisting "unilateralism and protectionism" — in a thinly veiled reference to US President Donald Trump's imposition of sweeping tariffs.

Speaking at a welcome dinner on the second day of his state visit to Malaysia on April 16, Mr Xi emphasised the importance of unity in preserving the shared future of the "Asian family".

"In the face of global shocks and challenges to economic globalisation, China and Malaysia will stand together with regional countries to counter the tide of geopolitical rivalry and bloc-based confrontation, as well as the backlash of unilateralism and protectionism," the Chinese President said.

His remarks were echoed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who praised China's outward-looking approach, contrasting it with what he described as inward-focused rivalry seen elsewhere.

"In some quarters, the rules-based order has been turned on its head — dialogue has yielded to demands, tariffs are imposed without restraint, and the language of cooperation is drowned out by threats and coercion.