In a statement released on 16 September 2023, the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Government of the People’s Republic of China announced the outcome of an official visit by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, to China. During the three-day visit, which took place from 14 to 16 September 2023, the two leaders met with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, respectively, to discuss key issues in their bilateral relations.
The joint communiqué released by both sides highlighted the substantial development of the Cambodia-China relationship over the past 65 years, since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Both countries emphasized their commitment to building a “high-quality, high-level and high-standard” community with a shared future, as envisioned in the “Building a Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future in the New Era”.
The two nations reaffirmed their support for each other’s development paths and expressed appreciation for each other’s achievements. The Cambodian side spoke highly of China’s economic and social progress, while China praised Cambodia’s achievements in national development and people’s well-being.
A key focus of the visit was on strengthening cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, and tourism. Both sides agreed to deepen strategic synergy between the Pentagonal Strategy and the Belt and Road Initiative, with a view to developing a comprehensive diamond cooperation framework that focuses on six priority areas.
In the realm of trade, both countries expressed their commitment to enhancing bilateral economic cooperation through the implementation of the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement and the promotion of regional comprehensive economic partnerships. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in hydropower, photovoltaics, and other clean energy sources, as well as in areas such as water resources management, flood and drought prevention, and drinking water safety.
Military engagements were also strengthened during the visit, with both sides agreeing to deepen pragmatism cooperation in training, joint exercises, medical services, logistics, and demining. Additionally, they reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding regional stability in the South China Sea, calling on relevant parties to carry forward the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea fully and effectively.
The visit also saw the signing of several cooperation documents, including an Action Plan on Building a Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future in the New Era between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the People’s Republic of China (2024-2028). This plan outlines key initiatives for strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as industrial development, infrastructure, digital economy, green development, inspection and quarantine, forestry and wildlife, and development cooperation.
In conclusion, the visit by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet to China marked an important milestone in strengthening Cambodia-China relations. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to building a comprehensive partnership that promotes regional stability, sustainable development, and people-to-people exchanges.
The visit highlights the importance of strong bilateral ties between Cambodia and China, as well as the need for cooperation in addressing common challenges facing both nations.
Priority Areas for Cooperation
- Industrial Development: Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in areas such as industrial development, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Cambodia and China expressed their commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship through various mechanisms, including the establishment of a Cambodia-China Innovation Fund.
- Infrastructure Development: Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in infrastructure development, with a focus on transportation networks, energy systems, and urban planning.
- Agricultural Cooperation: Cambodia and China reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening agricultural cooperation, including initiatives on agricultural technology transfer, market access, and trade promotion.
- Education and Training: Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in education and training, including the establishment of a Cambodia-China Vocational Education Alliance.
- Cultural Exchange: Cambodia and China expressed their commitment to promoting cultural exchange through various mechanisms, including the establishment of a Youth House for Cambodia-China Friendship.
The priority areas outlined above are expected to drive economic growth, job creation, and regional stability in the years to come.