Xi Pledges Stable Neighbourhood Policy

Visiting Vietnam to enhance political and trade ties amid a major tariff row with the US, Chinese President Xi Jinping Monday said that China will ensure continuity and stability in its neighbourhood diplomacy and jointly advance the modernisation of Asia.

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Xi arrived in Hanoi on his first visit abroad after US President Donald Trump slapped steep tariffs against China while pausing levies on a host of other countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia - the three countries on the Chinese president's current itinerary.

In an article published in Vietnam's Nhan Dan newspaper ahead of his visit, Xi said China would deepen friendly cooperation with neighbouring countries by ensuring continuity and stability of its neighbourhood diplomacy.

"We will stay committed to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness," he wrote. "We will continue to pursue the policy of forging friendship and partnership with our neighbours," he added.