China Xi's focus on economic ties in tour of south-east Asia

The Chinese president, Xi Jinping, will visit Vietnam today as he begins a tour of south-east Asia, where he will seek to strengthen ties with neighbouring countries amid an escalating trade war.

- Rebecca Ratcliffe

Xi will visit Vietnam before travelling to Malaysia and Cambodia, a high-profile tour that Chinese officials have described as being of "major importance".

China will probably use the visit to emphasise that it is a stable partner - contrasting itself with Washington, which imposed, then suspended, punishing tariffs across south-east Asia, an export-reliant region, in an announcement that sent shock waves through markets.

Vietnam, a manufacturing powerhouse, and Cambodia, where the garments and footwear sector is crucial to the economy, were among the worst hit by US tariffs, set at 46% and 49% respectively.

It is expected that China will sign dozens of deals with Vietnam, including possible investment and cooperation arrangements to develop its railway network.

China yesterday called on the US to "completely cancel" its 145% tariffs, which remain in place for Chinese imports to the US, except in relation to consumer electronics and key chipmaking equipment.