Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Wednesday for Asian nations to unite in resisting geopolitical confrontation, unilateralism and protectionism, as he aims to consolidate ties with some of China's closest neighbours amid a deterioration of relations with the U.

China and Malaysia struck 31 cooperation agreements during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit, part of his push to deepen ties in Southeast Asia to counter mounting pressure from the US.

China is the biggest foreign patron of Cambodia, where Mr. Xi concluded a tour of Southeast Asia. But the region also needs to curry favor with President Trump.