China’s leader Xi Jinping started a week of diplomacy in Southeast Asia with a visit to Vietnam, signaling China’s commitment to global trade.

Harsh trade measures may be driving would-be allies in China’s backyard away from Washington and back into the arms of Beijing.

President Xi Jinping will meet Vietnam's leaders in Hanoi on Monday as he begins a three-nation trip to Southeast Asia, aiming to cement ties with some of China's closest neighbours amid mounting trade tensions with the United States.