US President Donald Trump is once again stirring controversy, this time with a bold claim about China’s recent diplomatic moves in Southeast Asia.
Trump alleged that President Xi Jinping’s ongoing tour of the region is designed to “screw” the United States. His comment came shortly after Xi began a five-day visit to countries hit hardest by US tariffs under Trump’s own administration.
Xi arrived in Hanoi on the 14th of April, 2025, and quickly began strengthening ties with Vietnam’s leadership, including To Lam. Both sides signed multiple agreements aimed at improving cooperation and supply chains.
From the Oval Office, Trump weighed in on the developments. He suggested the Hanoi talks were aimed at damaging US interests.
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“I don’t blame China; I don’t blame Vietnam,” he said at the White House.
“That’s a lovely meeting. Meeting like, trying to figure out, ‘how do we screw the United States of America?’”
Vietnam, a major exporter of footwear, apparel, and electronics to the US, had earlier been hit with 46% tariffs following Trump’s Liberation Day announcement.
Now, with Beijing also battling steep 145% tariffs, Xi’s visits to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia appear to be a strategic push to recalibrate trade partnerships one Trump sees as a direct challenge to American economic interests.