Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized deepening Sino-Cambodian cooperation through cultural heritage preservation, infrastructure development, and strategic alignment during his state visit to Cambodia, as outlined in his Khmer Times article published Thursday. The trip marks a pivotal moment in advancing what he terms a 'community with a shared future' between the nations.
Roots in Civilizational Exchange
President Xi traced 2,000 years of bilateral exchanges, citing Tang Dynasty diplomacy and Zhou Daguan's Customs of Cambodia as foundations. 'The Bayon Temple bas-reliefs and Angkor restoration projects symbolize our civilizations’ mutual inspiration,' he wrote, highlighting joint archaeological work at Chau Say Tevoda Temple as modern continuity of cultural dialogue.
Ironclad Political Bonds
The article reaffirmed China's support for Cambodia's sovereignty, recalling Samdech Sihanouk's 40-year residency in China during geopolitical upheavals. Xi noted 1958 diplomatic ties and 2020 pandemic solidarity, including Prime Minister Hun Sen's winter Beijing visit when COVID-19 first emerged.
Economic Synergy in Action
With China as Cambodia's top trade partner and investor, Xi spotlighted:
Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone: 200+ international firms established
Banana/mango exports up 37% post-FTA implementation
Elevating political trust through defense/foreign policy coordination
Expanding BRI-Pentagonal Strategy alignment for digital/green economies
Security collaboration against 'color revolutions' and cybercrime
People-centric projects like Friendship Poverty Alleviation Villages
Joint advancement of Global Development/Security/Civilization Initiatives
Xi concluded by quoting Chinese philosophy on enduring friendship, pledging 'refined gold' partnership resilience. The visit precedes anticipated deals in clean energy and smart agriculture under the newly proposed Industrial-Technological Corridor.
