Chinese President Xi Jinping will embark on a three-nation Southeast Asia tour next week in his first overseas trip this year to consolidate ties with some of China's closest neighbours as trade tensions with the United States escalate.

President Xi Jinping will visit three Southeast Asian countries next week, as China steps up efforts to court partners to buffer the economy against an escalating trade war with the US.

Foreign ministry confirms the Chinese leader will tour Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia in what will be his first foreign visits of the year.