Strengthening Ties: China and Cambodia's Diplomatic and Economic Partnership
In recent times, the diplomatic engagement between China and Cambodia has reached new heights, symbolizing a commitment to mutual respect and beneficial cooperation. The Chinese President, Xi Jinping, during his visit to Cambodia, emphasized that the strong friendship between these two nations serves as a model for equality, mutual trust, and shared gains, particularly between countries of differing sizes.
Over the years, the relationship between these two countries has withstood global changes, evolving under the guidance of their respective leaders. This was evident during the visit of Cambodia's former Prime Minister, Hun Sen, to China in February 2023, where both parties laid out the groundwork for a ‘Diamond Cooperation Framework’ focusing on six key areas such as political collaboration, production capacity, agriculture, energy, security, and interpersonal exchanges.
Fast forward to September 2023, Hun Manet, who succeeded as the Prime Minister of Cambodia, chose China as his first overseas destination, further pledging to reinforce the cherished friendship between the nations during his meeting with President Xi. The camaraderie was visibly celebrated in May 2024 when a prominent road in Phnom Penh was renamed 'Xi Jinping Boulevard' in recognition of the impactful contributions of the Chinese leader to Cambodia's development. This ceremonial renaming underscored the notion that the bilateral relationship is entering its most fruitful phase to date, with collaborative effort expanding under the leadership of both countries' heads of state.
One of the most notable outcomes of this partnership is the remarkable growth in economic cooperation. The bilateral trade volume reached approximately $17.83 billion in 2024, marking a staggering increase of 20.7% year-on-year. This increase was largely attributed to active engagement under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the bilateral free trade agreement established between China and Cambodia. Notably, high-quality Cambodian agricultural and fisheries products—including rice, bananas, mangoes, longan fruits, coconuts, and basa fish—have gained entry into the Chinese market, enhancing not only Chinese consumers' dining experiences but also improving the livelihoods of Cambodian farmers.
In addition to trade, investment collaboration has deepened significantly, with China maintaining its status as Cambodia's largest foreign investor for 13 consecutive years. Investments span diverse sectors, including transportation, energy, agriculture, tourism, and technology, showcasing a comprehensive and impactful growth trajectory. A recent CGTN survey revealed that approximately 95.4% of Cambodians hold a positive view of Chinese companies operating within their borders, and 95% acknowledge the constructive role China plays in the global economy.
Culturally, China and Cambodia set an example through vibrant exchanges that strengthen their social fabric. The people-to-people ties, a cornerstone of their friendship, have been further enhanced through the Year of Interpersonal Exchange celebrated in 2024. Health programs such as 'Love Heart Journey,' 'Bright Journey,' and 'Smile Journey' have provided quality healthcare to citizens across over 20 Cambodian provinces and cities.
The establishment of the Confucius Institute in Cambodia in 2009 has facilitated the provision of free Chinese language education to more than 100,000 Cambodian students, serving as a cultural bridge between the two nations. Looking ahead, the cultural dialogue is set to expand under China's Global Civilization Initiative, which aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as culture, youth engagement, technology, and the restoration of cultural heritage.
In his recent remarks prior to his state visit to Cambodia, President Xi stressed the importance of intensifying human exchanges and maintaining solidarity and harmony. He called for greater cultural dialogues, strengthened governance exchanges, and diversified cooperation forms. This includes tourism, youth interactions, and the protection and restoration of cultural heritages, all aimed at fostering closer links among the peoples of both nations. Ultimately, the diplomatic and economic partnership between China and Cambodia is not just about governance; it's about fostering a shared vision and multi-faceted cooperation that benefits both sides in profound and lasting ways.
Over the years, the relationship between these two countries has withstood global changes, evolving under the guidance of their respective leaders. This was evident during the visit of Cambodia's former Prime Minister, Hun Sen, to China in February 2023, where both parties laid out the groundwork for a ‘Diamond Cooperation Framework’ focusing on six key areas such as political collaboration, production capacity, agriculture, energy, security, and interpersonal exchanges.
Fast forward to September 2023, Hun Manet, who succeeded as the Prime Minister of Cambodia, chose China as his first overseas destination, further pledging to reinforce the cherished friendship between the nations during his meeting with President Xi. The camaraderie was visibly celebrated in May 2024 when a prominent road in Phnom Penh was renamed 'Xi Jinping Boulevard' in recognition of the impactful contributions of the Chinese leader to Cambodia's development. This ceremonial renaming underscored the notion that the bilateral relationship is entering its most fruitful phase to date, with collaborative effort expanding under the leadership of both countries' heads of state.
One of the most notable outcomes of this partnership is the remarkable growth in economic cooperation. The bilateral trade volume reached approximately $17.83 billion in 2024, marking a staggering increase of 20.7% year-on-year. This increase was largely attributed to active engagement under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the bilateral free trade agreement established between China and Cambodia. Notably, high-quality Cambodian agricultural and fisheries products—including rice, bananas, mangoes, longan fruits, coconuts, and basa fish—have gained entry into the Chinese market, enhancing not only Chinese consumers' dining experiences but also improving the livelihoods of Cambodian farmers.
In addition to trade, investment collaboration has deepened significantly, with China maintaining its status as Cambodia's largest foreign investor for 13 consecutive years. Investments span diverse sectors, including transportation, energy, agriculture, tourism, and technology, showcasing a comprehensive and impactful growth trajectory. A recent CGTN survey revealed that approximately 95.4% of Cambodians hold a positive view of Chinese companies operating within their borders, and 95% acknowledge the constructive role China plays in the global economy.
Culturally, China and Cambodia set an example through vibrant exchanges that strengthen their social fabric. The people-to-people ties, a cornerstone of their friendship, have been further enhanced through the Year of Interpersonal Exchange celebrated in 2024. Health programs such as 'Love Heart Journey,' 'Bright Journey,' and 'Smile Journey' have provided quality healthcare to citizens across over 20 Cambodian provinces and cities.
The establishment of the Confucius Institute in Cambodia in 2009 has facilitated the provision of free Chinese language education to more than 100,000 Cambodian students, serving as a cultural bridge between the two nations. Looking ahead, the cultural dialogue is set to expand under China's Global Civilization Initiative, which aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as culture, youth engagement, technology, and the restoration of cultural heritage.
In his recent remarks prior to his state visit to Cambodia, President Xi stressed the importance of intensifying human exchanges and maintaining solidarity and harmony. He called for greater cultural dialogues, strengthened governance exchanges, and diversified cooperation forms. This includes tourism, youth interactions, and the protection and restoration of cultural heritages, all aimed at fostering closer links among the peoples of both nations. Ultimately, the diplomatic and economic partnership between China and Cambodia is not just about governance; it's about fostering a shared vision and multi-faceted cooperation that benefits both sides in profound and lasting ways.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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