14 hours Ago By SCMP Editorial
Troubled times can bring friends closer together. A case in point is President Donald Trump’s global trade war. China has fought back, but a tit-for-tat exchange has left it facing a tariff wall in the United States of an extra 145 per cent.
Washington has granted other countries the respite of a 90-day pause to allow negotiation before the tariffs take effect. But some – including friends of China – still face draconian levies on their exports that defy reasonable explanation. For example Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia – investment and trade partners of China – are facing tariffs of 46 per cent, 24 per cent and 49 per cent respectively.
They have just hosted a tour by President Xi Jinping aimed at cementing long and friendly ties in adversity. The mutual empathy between the leaders of the world’s second-biggest economy and three members of Asean, which has overtaken the EU as China’s biggest trading partner, was on show for the world to see. It was reflected in some warm, less formal welcomes alongside state ceremonies.
Genuine signs of friendship and respect were evident. People waving flags of Vietnam and China were waiting at the airport in Hanoi. Children with flowers and lion dancers brightened the president’s arrival in rainy Malaysia.
If any further evidence were needed of friendly relations, Xi chose these countries for his first overseas trip this year..
