China and Cambodia: Strengthening Friendship Through State Diplomacy

China and Cambodia: Strengthening Friendship Through State Diplomacy



The recent state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping has underscored the enduring friendship between China and Cambodia, marking a significant milestone in their diplomatic relations. This visit not only highlighted the economic ties forged through collaborative efforts but also illustrated the cultural exchanges that continue to strengthen bonds between the two nations.

During his meeting with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, President Xi emphasized the importance of equality, mutual trust, and win-win cooperation, characterizing the relationship as a model for countries of different sizes. He expressed confidence that China’s modernization would create additional opportunities for neighboring countries, particularly Cambodia, underscoring the vision of a community with a shared future.

In recent years, the friendship between China and Cambodia has proven resilient against global transformations, a testament to the foundation built by previous leaders from both nations. The historical ties have been further reinforced through mutual visits by high-ranking officials, signifying a commitment to cooperative frameworks across various sectors including politics, agriculture, and trade.

In February 2023, during the visit of former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to China, a framework of cooperation was established covering six priority areas: political cooperation, production capacity, agriculture, energy, security, and people-to-people exchanges. The continuation of this framework was evident when Hun Manet, the new Cambodian Prime Minister, chose China as his first official destination after taking office in September 2023. During this visit, he pledged to further solidify the steadfast friendship between the two countries.

Significantly, in May 2024, the Cambodian government honored President Xi by naming a major thoroughfare in Phnom Penh “Xi Jinping Boulevard,” a recognition of his contributions to Cambodia’s development. This act, according to Hun Manet, symbolizes a peak in bilateral relations, reflecting the joint efforts of both Xi and the Cambodian leaders.

Economic Collaborations Yield Fruitful Results



The economic collaboration between China and Cambodia has flourished, fostered by free trade policies such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement. With China being Cambodia's top trade partner for 13 consecutive years, bilateral trade reached an impressive $17.83 billion in 2024, marking a 20.7% year-over-year increase.

Chinese consumers have benefitted from the introduction of premium Cambodian agricultural products, including rice, bananas, and fish, which have not only enriched Chinese dining tables but also boosted the livelihoods of Cambodian farmers. Additionally, China's investment in Cambodia has remained robust, with Chinese investments spanning various sectors such as transportation, energy, and tourism for over a decade.

A recent survey by CGTN indicated that about 95.4% of Cambodians have a favorable view of Chinese enterprises operating in Cambodia and believe that China has made positive contributions to the global economy.

Cultural Exchanges Foster Deeper Connections



Beyond economic ties, cultural exchanges have played a pivotal role in deepening the understanding and connections between the peoples of China and Cambodia. The year 2024 marked the

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