China has firmly condemned recent attempts to undermine its longstanding friendship with Cambodia. On Thursday, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Guo Jiakun, addressed reports of unfounded claims circulating on social media suggesting that Cambodian leaders are choosing sides between China and the United States, and that significant cooperation projects between the two nations are stalling.
“These remarks are purely groundless smears and deliberate vilification,” Guo stated during a press briefing. He emphasized that China and Cambodia are “ironclad friends” who support each other through thick and thin. “This time-honored friendship was cultivated by the older generation of leaders of both countries and has stood the test of the changing international landscape,” he added.
Guo highlighted that the partnership serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples. He noted that China has been Cambodia’s largest source of foreign investment and biggest trading partner for several years running. Over the past decade, bilateral trade has nearly quadrupled.
The spokesperson also mentioned that Cambodian leaders have repeatedly affirmed that China is Cambodia’s most trusted friend. “Friendship with China is a firm political consensus within the Cambodian government and political party and among the Cambodian people,” Guo said.
Looking ahead, China and Cambodia are working together to enhance the quality of their bilateral relations with high-level mutual trust. Both countries are enriching the “Diamond Hexagon” cooperation framework, formulating plans for the Industrial Development Corridor and the “Fish and Rice Corridor,” and advancing priority cooperation projects to boost each other’s modernization processes.
“We firmly believe that the ironclad friendship between China and Cambodia will steer clear of disruptions,” Guo declared. “We will not allow any deliberate vilification against our friendship, and any rumor-monger shall bear legal responsibility and consequences.”
