On April 17, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cambodia, marking the final stop of his Southeast Asia tour. In a written speech delivered at Phnom Penh International Airport, Xi emphasized that Cambodia is an important cooperative partner in China's foreign diplomacy, and China is willing to continue to promote high-level strategic mutual trust and comprehensive cooperation with Cambodia.
Xi pointed out that China and Cambodia have maintained close communication in political mutual trust, economic development, and coordination in international affairs for a long time. He stated, "China firmly supports Cambodia in maintaining national strategic autonomy and firmly supports Cambodia in choosing its own development path according to its national conditions."
During this visit, Xi Jinping will have in-depth talks with Cambodian national leaders, including King Norodom Sihamoni, Queen Mother Monineath, Senate President Hun Sen, and Prime Minister Hun Manet, aiming to promote higher-level and higher-quality exchanges and cooperation between China and Cambodia in political, security, economic, cultural, and multilateral affairs.
In combating cross-border online gambling and telecommunications fraud, China and Cambodia have reached a consensus. In August 2024, the Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia met with the Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in combating transnational crimes, especially online gambling and telecommunications fraud. Cambodia hopes that China will continue to provide assistance in security and training to enhance law enforcement capabilities.
Additionally, the Cambodian government looks forward to more financial support from China in infrastructure construction. Before Xi's arrival, Cambodian Ministry of Finance spokesperson Sok Sokserey expressed hope for deeper cooperation between China and Cambodia on major projects such as transportation and water conservancy, especially the 180-kilometer-long "Te Choong Funan Canal" connecting the Mekong River and the Gulf of Thailand, hoping to receive financial support from China.
China is Cambodia's largest bilateral creditor, having invested in multiple projects including airports, roads, and economic zones locally. Whether this high-level visit will bring more practical economic cooperation will be a focus of external attention.
