Xi seeks to capitalise on trade turbulence in South east Asia countries caught in Trump tariff bind

BANGKOK – Chinese President Xi Jinping embarks on his first overseas trip of the year with an opportunity to make a case that Beijing is the dependable major power its closest neighbours can rely on amid an escalating trade war with the United States.

Doing so effectively, however, will require a touch of deft diplomacy, and recognition that its trading partners are caught in a bind, seeking to negotiate with Washington to salvage their trade-exposed economies.

Join STs Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.