On Sunday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Cambodian Foreign Minister Chenda Sophea Sok in Phnom Penh. During the meeting, both ministers discussed ways to enhance cooperation between their countries in various fields.
According to a readout from China’s foreign ministry, Wang emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in six key areas: politics, production capacity, agriculture, energy, security, and humanities. He also stressed the need to “push high-quality development of China-ASEAN relations.”
Chenda Sophea Sok expressed Cambodia’s desire to see more economic projects under the Beijing-led Belt and Road Initiative. He also voiced his opposition to “troublemaking in the region by extraterritorial forces.”
Wang’s visit to Cambodia is part of a three-day trip that also includes meetings with Prime Minister Hun Manet, former prime minister Hun Sen, and King Norodom Sihamoni. His visit highlights China’s efforts to strengthen ties with ASEAN countries amidst tensions in the South China Sea.
China and Cambodia have a long history of close relations. China is Cambodia’s largest trading partner, and its investments have played a significant role in Cambodia’s economic development. In 2021, China’s direct investment in Cambodia reached nearly US$7 billion.
However, some major projects, such as the upgrade of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, have raised concerns from the United States and other countries. Despite these concerns, both Cambodia and China have denied that the base would be used as an overseas outpost by the Chinese military.
