Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni set the tone for a model partnership built on equality, trust, and mutual gains during Xi’s recent state visit to Cambodia.
Xi emphasized that building a China–Cambodia community with a shared future is a choice of history and the people, highlighting how cooperation transcends size and geography.
From Legacy to Diamond FrameworkThe relationship has deep roots: from founding gestures by past leaders to the 2023 Diamond Cooperation Framework, covering politics, capacity sharing, agriculture, energy, security, and people-to-people ties. New Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s first overseas stop in Beijing reaffirmed this bond, while Phnom Penh honored Xi with Xi Jinping Boulevard in May 2024.
Trade and Investment BoostTwo-way trade hit $17.83 billion in 2024, up 20.7% year-on-year, fueled by the RCEP and the China–Cambodia FTA. Key exports like rice, bananas, and basa fish now grace Chinese tables, lifting Cambodian incomes. Chinese mainland investors remain Cambodia’s top source of foreign capital for 13 years, spanning transport, power, tourism, and digital tech.
In a recent poll, 95.4% of Cambodians view mainland businesses positively, and 95% credit China’s role in global economic growth.
Cultural Bridges and People-to-People Ties2024 marked the China–Cambodia People-to-People Exchange Year. Medical missions like Love Heart Journey have delivered care across 20 provinces, while the Confucius Institute has taught Chinese to over 100,000 learners since 2009. With the Global Civilization Initiative on the horizon, exchanges in youth, media, tourism, and heritage restoration are set to expand.
Xi urged more cultural dialogues and experience-sharing to deepen solidarity and harmony between the two peoples.
By blending data-driven wins with heartfelt exchanges, the China–Cambodia partnership offers a blueprint for sustainable, people-centred diplomacy.
Reference(s):
Head-of-state diplomacy promotes China-Cambodia ironclad friendship
cgtn.com
