Phnom Penh, Cambodia — Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cambodia on Thursday, marking his second visit to the country in nine years. The visit aims to bolster the longstanding “ironclad” friendship between China and Cambodia and to promote a shared future of cooperation and development.
In an article published in Cambodian media outlets ahead of his visit, President Xi highlighted the deep historical ties between the two nations. “Our friendly exchange spans two millennia of our shared history,” he wrote, emphasizing the cultural and economic connections that have bonded China and Cambodia over centuries.
Historic Bonds and Mutual Support
President Xi recalled the significant moments that have defined the relationship, including the friendship forged by former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk and Chinese leaders like Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai. He noted that China stood by Cambodia “in its just struggle against foreign invasion and for national sovereignty and independence,” fostering a relationship that has “consistently supported each other in times of need.”
He expressed admiration for cultural exchanges, referencing collaborative efforts in restoring historical sites like the Angkor temples and increasing people-to-people connectivity through education and tourism.
A Vision for Shared Prosperity
Looking forward, President Xi proposed deepening cooperation through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement. He emphasized the importance of aligning China’s development strategies with Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy to advance industrial modernization and boost economic growth.
“We must prioritize development and keep people at the center,” President Xi stated, advocating for enhanced collaboration in areas such as advanced manufacturing, green development, and digital economy.
Building a Community with a Shared Future
President Xi called for strengthened strategic coordination to promote peace and stability in the region. He urged both countries to stand against “hegemonism, power politics and camp-based confrontation,” and to advocate for “an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.”
The President expressed confidence in the enduring friendship between China and Cambodia, saying, “I firmly believe that with our joint efforts, the China-Cambodia ironclad friendship, which has been tempered through trials of time and storms of adversity, will stay true to its original purpose.”
Youth Engagement and Future Collaboration
Highlighting the importance of youth in shaping the future, President Xi encouraged more frequent people-to-people exchanges, especially among the younger generations. He expressed hope that increased cultural dialogues and educational cooperation would deepen mutual understanding and inspire new generations to carry forward the legacy of friendship.
As President Xi’s visit unfolds, it is expected to usher in a new era of collaboration between China and Cambodia, reinforcing their commitment to a stable and sustainable community with a shared future.
