China and Cambodia establish cooperative framework exemplifying nations with varying scales: Xi
In a friendly show of camaraderie, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni shared a warm greeting while stepping out of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh on April 17, 2025 (Photo: Xinhua).
During the encounter, King Norodom Sihamoni bestowed upon Xi Jinping the National Order of Independence - Grand Collar at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh as a symbol of their deepening relationship (Photo: Xinhua).
The positive vibes continued to flow as the leaders discussed collaboration during their meeting that took place on the 17th of April, held at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh (Photo: Xinhua).
Bracing for the Future Together
The meeting and state visit marked a significant leap in bilateral ties, reinforcing a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. They envisioned a closer relationship that mirrors their commitment to build a "Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future in the New Era."
These geopolitical bonds are rooted in a variety of cooperative agreements that stand strong to weather any testing times. Among the 37 agreements signed during Xi's visit, critical sectors like trade, infrastructure, education, energy, tourism, and strategic connectivity experienced a substantial boost.
Major focus was given to the Diamond Cooperation Framework, an initiative designed to speed up the development of two economic corridors - the Industrial and Technological Corridor and the Fish and Rice Corridor, aiming to bolster the industrial base and agricultural productivity in Cambodia.
The Commander-in-Chief's visit also paved the way for ambitious infrastructure projects like the Funan Techo Canal, an endeavor where Cambodia retains majority ownership, but benefits from Chinese participation. This joint venture symbolizes Nodorom Sihamoni's commitment to strengthening strategic infrastructure while safeguarding Cambodia's autonomy.
Security cooperation occupied the forefront of the discussions. China enthusiastically welcomed Cambodia's deportation of 180 Taiwanese criminals for telecom fraud, which aligned with Beijing's perspectives on the One-China principle. They also agreed on closer cooperation against cybercrimes, military exchanges, and regular defense dialogues under a new "2+2" framework that includes foreign and defense ministers from both countries.
The pair also touched upon the regional economic scene, with a view to seamlessly integrate China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy. The convergence of their visions places Cambodia at the center of a dynamic manufacturing hub, thereby propelling its journey towards becoming a high-income nation by 2050.
On the diplomatic front, the leaders vowed to maintain an "all-weather" friendship while warding off external meddling. They viewed one another as trusted partners and signaled their will to stand united in the face of Western critics and potential "color revolutions." Moreover, China put forth Cambodia as a pilot case for deeper strategic alignment in Southeast Asia, where the U.S. presence might be dwindling.
Lastly, both heads acknowledged the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability, expressing their commitment to the Global Security Initiative (GSI) for peaceful dispute resolution. In short, the 2025 visit and meeting were a turning point in Cambodia-China relations, manifesting progress across various levels and ushering in a cordial era of strategic cooperation.
- The cordial era of strategic cooperation between Cambodia and China, heralded by the 2025 visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, was further symbolized by Norodom Sihamoni's bestowal of the National Order of Independence - Grand Collar on Xi.
- As they delved into discussions on economic collaboration and security cooperation, the leaders envisioned a deepened relationship between Cambodia and China, with a shared vision of building a "Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future in the New Era."
- The dialogue between Norodom Sihamoni and Xi Jinping on the 17th of April at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh not only reinforced their comprehensive strategic partnership but also paved the way for a joint venture on the Funan Techo Canal, demonstrating Norodom Sihamoni's commitment to strategic infrastructure while preserving Cambodia's autonomy.
