Chinese leader Xi Jinping has told Malaysia’s leader that China will be a collaborative partner and stand with its Southeast Asian neighbors in the wake of global economic shocks.

China's leader Xi Jinping urged Cambodia to "resist protectionism," as he arrived in Phnom Penh on Thursday at the end of a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia, as U.S. tariffs threatened the economies of both countries.

Although his visit was scheduled months ago, it fell at an opportune moment for Beijing, with the international trade system in disarray because of the actions of US President Donald Trump. On April 2,

President Trump when speaking with reporters in the Oval Office Thursday said that officials believed to representing President Xi Jinping 'have reached out a number of times.'

President Trump said he is in contact with the “highest levels” of the Chinese government about a potential deal to reduce tariffs, appearing to confirm that he is talking to Chinese President Xi Jinping himself.