Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia anticipate Xi's visit to strengthen ties

People from all sectors in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia are anticipating Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visits, hoping the visits will elevate China's relations with the three countries and inject new momentum into building of a community with a shared future among neighboring countries.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will pay a state visit to Vietnam from April 14 to 15, at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Luong Cuong.

"This visit comes less than a year after To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, paid a state visit to China. General secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Vietnam is a major diplomatic and political event of strategic significance in the history of both parties and both countries," said Bui Thanh Son, Vietnam’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs.

"I eagerly look forward to President Xi Jinping's visit to Vietnam. I hope it will further expand bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and China in areas such as the economy, education, and more. I also hope to see strengthened cooperation between the provinces of both countries and deeper ties between our peoples. I sincerely hope that this visit will enhance collaboration in economy, trade, tourism, and other sectors, leading to mutually beneficial and win-win outcomes for both nations," said Le Dang Doanh, a Vietnamese economist.

President Xi will also pay state visits to Malaysia and Cambodia from April 15 to 18, at the invitation of King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim and King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia.

In 2025, Malaysia holds the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and serves as the country coordinator for China-ASEAN relations.

People from all walks of life in Malaysia anticipate President Xi's visit, hoping it will deepen cooperation across various fields and foster the development of a stronger China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

"We expect the visit by President Xi on 15 to 17 of April. It's hoped to help enhance bilateral relations between our two countries. Of course, we look forward to enhancing also bilateral trade. China is an important trading partner for Malaysia, and in Malaysia's capacity as the chairman of ASEAN, there will definitely be a lot to discuss, and we look forward to hosting President Xi next week," said Fahmi Fadzil, minister of Communications of Malaysia.

"I think this is one of the most important visits for Malaysia, not only to Malaysia but to ASEAN and to the rest of the world. Of course, everyone is looking forward to the message of President Xi. Of course, we hope that China will remain an open trading economy, China will remain a trusted partner of the world, and China will remain committed to the rule-based system of global trade," said Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Malaysia’s transport minister.

Experts and officials in Cambodia believe that President Xi's visit could elevate the development of the community with a shared future between China and Cambodia to a higher level.

"Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit this time highlights his commitment to the international community, especially Southeast Asia and ASEAN countries. We look forward to working with China to strengthen and expand regional peace and security and global development within the framework of mutually beneficial cooperation. This period can be seen as a key stage in building a community with a shared future for mankind. This visit is a manifestation of commitment and determination. I expect that this visit will promote more cooperation and deliver greater results for the Global South," said Chea Munyrith, president of the Cambodian-Chinese Evolution Research Association.

"We, the Cambodian people, are very happy and honored to hear the news that Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Cambodia. This visit by President Xi is a valuable opportunity to further develop relations between the two countries," said Hos Sereython, advisor to the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and former ambassador to the Philippines and Laos.

Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia anticipate Xi's visit to strengthen ties

Nigeria's fuel market is undergoing a rare shake-up as competition pushes prices lower, bringing relief to local consumers while raising concerns over business durability.

In the capital city of Abuja, the state oil firm Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has been selling petrol at about 815 naira per liter (about 0.57 U.S. dollars per liter), down from about 0.66 U.S. dollars per liter earlier in 2026. Other stations supplied by private giant Dangote are offering even lower prices, selling at around 750 naira (about 0.53 U.S. dollars) per liter.

For millions of Nigerians, the drop has been easing pressure on transport, food and daily living costs.

"I spend relatively lower on fuel and, by implication, transportation now than what it used to be," said Salifu Usman, a local resident in Abuja.

"We are happy with what we are seeing, because, of course, for a very long time, we are witnessing the crash down of price, even during festive period," said Jonathan Madaki, another resident.

The price cut has also allowed for higher profit margins for local small business operators, who have long relied on petrol-powered generators to cope with chronic power shortages.

Behind the price cuts is a growing battle for market share. The Nigeria-based Dangote Refinery, the largest in Africa, has boosted domestic supply and slashed its wholesale price to around 700 naira (about 0.49 U.S. dollars) per liter.

The move has forced importers and the state oil company to lower their own prices to stay competitive. But as margins shrink, analysts warn, what now appears to be a price war may not last.

"My own interpretation is that we are going to that stage where, especially those that, if it keeps coming down, I think those that bring in products may find it not so attractive again. So I don't actually see how sustainable this price war, if I may use that term, will be," said energy expert Paul Ogwu.

Nigeria petrol price cuts ease living costs, raise durability concerns