Donald Trump alleged that China's strengthened economic ties with Vietnam are a deliberate attempt to harm the US. He expressed this view during a discussion about tariffs and potential exemptions for automobiles and auto parts, suggesting that the China-Vietnam cooperation is a strategy to disadvantage the United States.
China's embassy spokesman, Liu Pengyu, refuted Trump's claim. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and stated that China's diplomatic priority is neighborhood relations, highlighting the benefits of collaboration between China and Vietnam for regional peace and prosperity.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated the need for high-level involvement from both presidents to achieve any economic agreement with China. This statement was made during an interview in Buenos Aires, Argentina.