China and Cambodia Stand Together for Open Global Trade
In a move to strengthen their partnership, China and Cambodia have united in opposition to trade protectionism, reaffirming their commitment to an open and inclusive multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization (WTO).
During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Cambodia, both nations issued a joint statement highlighting their shared goals of building a strong China-Cambodia community with a shared future and implementing global initiatives proposed by China.
“We are dedicated to maintaining a trading system that is predictable, rules-based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open, and inclusive,” the statement declared. Both countries emphasized that restrictions on trade and investment threaten economic security and disrupt the international trade order.
Recognizing the WTO’s pivotal role, China and Cambodia pledged to work together towards reforming the organization to better facilitate trade and investment liberalization. They also expressed their intent to push for practical outcomes at the WTO’s upcoming 14th ministerial conference, aiming to advance economic globalization in a way that is balanced and beneficial for all.
On regional security, the two nations voiced their opposition to the formation of exclusive “small circles” and the proliferation of nuclear weapons and missile deployments in the Asia-Pacific region. They warned that such actions could trigger an arms race and jeopardize peace and stability.
China and Cambodia agreed to promote the building of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, contributing to the region’s stability and prosperity. This commitment reflects their desire for cooperation over confrontation and their support for peaceful development in the region.
President Xi’s visit marks a significant step in enhancing the longstanding friendship between China and Cambodia, reinforcing their collaboration on global trade and regional security issues that are crucial for the Global South.
