China's President Xi Jinping called for support for the international system centred around the United Nations, trade and the rule of law as he continued on a Southeast Asian tour amid a sharp deterioration in China-U.

Although President Trump has paused some tariffs, he has kept in place 145% duties on China, the world's second-largest economy.

The Chinese president's diplomatic tour has included Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia — all targeted by Trump's tariffs. Experts say Xi wants to establish Beijing as a more reliable partner amid growing uncertainty.