Xi Jinping is in Southeast Asia to build bonds with countries that also face U.S. tariffs and have come under pressure from Washington to curb the transshipment of Chinese goods.

During Trump's first term, tariffs on China were a big win for Vietnam, especially in cities like Haiphong. Now the country's future isn't so clear.

Xi Jinping has warned that US protectionism will “lead nowhere” as the Chinese leader embarked on a tour of Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia to strengthen ties with export-reliant south-east Asian economies rattled by Donald Trump’s escalating trade war.