Chinese President Xi Jinping has landed in Cambodia for a two-day state visit, the final leg of his Southeast Asia tour.
King Norodom Sihamoni welcomed Xi at Phnom Penh International Airport, a gesture that underscores the deepening bilateral ties between the two nations.
This marks Xi’s first visit to Cambodia in eight years and follows stops in Vietnam and Malaysia.
Over 20,000 Cambodians and Chinese expats lined the streets to greet Xi’s motorcade, waving Chinese and Cambodian flags.
Key Agreements and Partnerships
Xi and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation, agreeing to establish a China-Cambodia Community.
They also declared 2025 as the “China-Cambodia Tourism Year.”
The two countries signed over 30 agreements covering trade, infrastructure, education, and culture.
In a written statement, Xi said that China-Cambodia relations remain strong despite global changes, built on the foundation laid by previous generations of leaders.
Economic and Strategic Cooperation
China is a key player in Cambodia’s infrastructure development, supporting projects like the Funan Techo Canal and the ASEAN high-speed rail line.
The Funan Techo Canal will connect Phnom Penh to Cambodia’s main ports, while the high-speed rail line will link China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Xi expressed China’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s strategic autonomy and strengthening bilateral cooperation for regional peace and stability.
Xi’s visit highlights the growing partnership between China and Cambodia, with significant implications for regional trade, infrastructure, and security.