Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Vietnam for a state visit on Monday, kicking off his Southeast Asia tour, during which he will also visit Cambodia and Malaysia.

Ahead of the trip, Xi issued a written statement saying he looks forward to discussing with Vietnamese leaders their bilateral ties, as well as "international and regional issues of common concern."

In an article in Vietnam's Nhandan newspaper published ahead of his visit, the Chinese president warned against the United States tariffs. "There are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars, and protectionism has no way out," Xi wrote.