During his tour of Southeast Asia, Xi presented China’s vision for the region, emphasizing unity against external confrontation (read the U.S. trade war).

Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia rolled out the red carpet for Chinese President Xi Jinping during his weeklong trip to the neighbouring countries. In Hanoi, hundreds of children waved flags as he appeared at the Presidential Palace.

Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia rolled out the red carpet for Chinese President Xi Jinping to show they won’t be bullied in tariff negotiations with the US, analysts say. But they add that it remains a delicate balancing act for ASEAN states.