Xi's Asian charm offensive is all about keeping the US out

He is keen to capitalize on a big vacuum left by Trump in East Asia

- KARISHMA VASWANI

At first glance, Chinese President Xi Jinping's Southeast Asian tour was focused on trade deals, regional cooperation and friendship. In reality, he's capitalizing on America's leadership vacuum in the Indo-Pacific. Beijing wants a less US-centric Asia. US President Donald Trump's trade war is only accelerating that. Washington's influence in this strategically vital region is at stake. Previous administrations have been clear about its importance, but under Trump, there doesn't appear to be a coherent plan. This has allowed Beijing to position itself as a champion of solidarity, in sharp contrast to the US president's economic bullying.

This wasn't just a goodwill visit. It's about soft and hard power projection. Xi's trip to Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia was planned before tariffs were imposed, but these visits took on more importance given Trump's attempt to isolate China. Some major banks predict the Chinese economy will expand by 3-4% this year as US duties choke exports.