Chinese Foreign Minister Visits Cambodia, Heralds New Era of High-Level Ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded a three-day official visit to Cambodia on April 23, 2024, where he announced a new era of high-level China-Cambodia community with a shared future. During his meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and other senior officials, Wang emphasized the strong bonds between the two countries as good neighbors, friends, and partners.

The visit aimed to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Cambodia, with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation across various fields. Wang praised the development of bilateral relations and discussed regional and international issues with his Cambodian counterparts.

As part of the visit, a joint tourism event titled "When Shaolin Meets Bokator at Angkor" was held at the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap on April 24. The event showcased cultural exchanges between China and Cambodia through martial arts performances by Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu and Cambodian Bokator practitioners. Senior officials from both countries, including those from China's Henan province, attended the event.

Cambodian Tourism Minister Sok Soken described the event as a strategic move to reinforce the "Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024" and advance the Belt and Road Initiative. He highlighted Cambodia's readiness to cater to an influx of Chinese tourists and investors, with ongoing efforts to improve tourism infrastructure and services. "The event would help enhance the bonds of friendship between the two countries and peoples, and the growth of Chinese tourists has provided an important opportunity for Cambodia's tourism and economic development," Sok Soken said.

Why this matters: Wang Yi's visit to Cambodia underscores China's efforts to deepen ties with its closest ally in Southeast Asia amid growing geopolitical tensions in the region. The high-level engagement and cultural exchanges demonstrate the strengthening of the China-Cambodia community with a shared future, which could have significant implications for regional dynamics and Cambodia's economic development.

During their meetings, Wang and Cambodian Foreign Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the China-Cambodia community with a shared future. They pledged to bolster defense cooperation, carry out joint drills and training, and combat transnational crimes. Cambodia also reiterated its support for China's positions on Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang, as well as its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The visit comes amid concerns about two major Chinese-funded projects in Cambodia - a planned canal and a naval base - which critics allege could aid Beijing's strategic military interests in the region. Cambodia has strong economic ties with China, with over 40% of its $10 billion in foreign debt owed to China. The timing of the visit, following Hun Sen's announcement that he would step down as prime minister in favor of his son, further highlights the significance of China's relationship with Cambodia's leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese FM Wang Yi concluded 3-day visit to Cambodia, strengthening strategic partnership.
• China and Cambodia held joint cultural event showcasing martial arts, boosting people-to-people ties.
• Cambodia reaffirmed support for China's positions on Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang.
• China-Cambodia economic ties deepen, with over 40% of Cambodia's foreign debt owed to China.
• Visit highlights China's efforts to deepen ties with its closest ally in Southeast Asia.