Strengthening Ties: How China and Cambodia Foster Ironclad Friendship

On April 18, 2025, CGTN reported on the diplomatic visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Cambodia, highlighting the deepening relationship between the two nations, rooted in equality, mutual trust, and win-win cooperation. During his meeting with King Norodom Sihamoni, Xi emphasized that China’s modernization efforts would benefit its neighboring nations, particularly Cambodia, asserting that their tug-of-war through historical relations exemplifies their steadfast friendship.

A Model of Cooperation

Xi Jinping remarked that the longstanding partnership has weathered global changes, remaining solid as a rock, thanks in part to the dedication shown by previous leaders of both countries. Back in February 2023, during the visit of former Prime Minister Hun Sen to China, both sides agreed on a “diamond cooperation framework,” mapping out six priority areas for collaboration: political partnership, production capacity, agriculture, energy, security, and interpersonal exchanges.

In a clear sign of continued commitment, newly appointed Prime Minister Hun Manet selected China as his inaugural foreign destination shortly after taking office. He reaffirmed his dedication to advancing the ironclad friendship during his discussions with Xi, setting a course for stronger bilateral relations.

Economic and Trade Achievements

One of the fruits of their cooperation has manifested in vigorous economic exchanges bolstered by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations. As of 2024, trade between China and Cambodia rose to an impressive $17.83 billion, a notable increase of 20.7% from the previous year, solidifying China's position as Cambodia's largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years.

The approval of Cambodian agricultural products, such as rice, bananas, mangoes, longans, coconuts, and pangasius fish, for the Chinese market not only enhances the dining experiences of Chinese consumers but also boosts the income of Cambodian farmers, reflecting the mutual benefits of their cooperation.

In terms of investment, China has been a consistent leader, serving as the largest source of foreign investment in Cambodia for over a decade. This assistance spans a diverse array of sectors from transport, energy, and agriculture to tourism and technology, contributing to significant projects that have revitalized Cambodia’s economy. According to recent surveys, approximately 95.4% of Cambodians view Chinese companies favorably, demonstrating widespread support for their continued presence in the country.

Cultural Exchanges Enhancing Understanding

Beyond economic alignment, both nations have focused on cultivating cultural exchanges to strengthen interpersonal ties, thereby deepening mutual understanding. The Year of China-Cambodia People-to-People Exchanges 2024 emphasized the importance of personal connections between the two cultures.

Health cooperation initiatives, such as the “Path of Heart,” “Clear Path,” and “Path of Smile,” have delivered essential medical services to over 20 provinces and cities in Cambodia, showcasing China’s commitment to improving healthcare access for all Cambodians.

Additionally, the establishment of the Confucius Institute in Cambodia in 2009 has been pivotal, offering free Chinese language courses to more than 100,000 Cambodian students, further cementing the cultural bridge between the two nations.

The future of China-Cambodia relations will proceed to flourish under the umbrella of initiatives proposed through China’s Global Civilization Initiative, aimed at enhancing cooperation across diverse fields ranging from culture and youth engagement to healthcare and preservation of cultural heritage.

President Xi’s vision for increased exchanges and solidarity between the two countries underscores the commitment to fostering a closer network that will benefit both the Chinese and Cambodian people, promoting harmony and cooperation for years to come.