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US-China trade war
ChinaDiplomacy

Xi Jinping vows to boost strategic ties with neighbours as trade war escalates

In latest sign of renewed focus on neighbourhood, Chinese leader says region will strengthen bonds by ‘appropriately’ managing differences

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In a key speech on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of neighbouring countries and cooperation. Photo: Kyodo
Orange Wangin BeijingandDewey Simin Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to strengthen strategic bonds with neighbouring nations by “appropriately” managing differences and enhanced supply chain ties.

His remarks, which were delivered at a two-day high-profile central working conference on neighbourhood diplomacy that wrapped up on Wednesday, marked the Chinese leader’s first public comments since the escalation of a trade war between Beijing and Washington.
It was the latest sign that Beijing has stepped up efforts to court those nations and build a united front to counter the US pressure.

During the gathering, Xi said that “building a community of a shared future” – a core tenet of his global vision, which many states are still reluctant to endorse – will prioritise China’s diplomacy with its neighbouring countries.

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China’s relations with its neighbours were “at the best level they have been in modern history”, the meeting was told, according to official news agency Xinhua on Wednesday. “At the same time, [we] are entering a pivotal stage deeply intertwined with shifts in regional dynamics and global developments.”

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