Cambodia, China ties building a shared legacy

The long-standing traditional friendship between Cambodia and China has become a valuable heritage for both nations, with Prime Minister Hun Manet committed to further strengthening cooperation across all fields to build a shared destiny for Cambodia and China in the new era.He said that the two countries have enjoyed relations for more than 2,000 years.

Mr Hun Manet made the remarks while presiding over a ceremony in Kampong Cham province to celebrate the achievements of the China’s projects to improve the school environment and enhance educational facilities in Cambodia.

This project, implemented from 2018 to 2022, resulted in significant accomplishments, benefiting a total of 27 educational institutions in Phnom Penh, Kandal, and Kampong Cham provinces, with a total budget exceeding $22.5 million. Of that amount, approximately $20.5 million was a grant from the Chinese government, while about $2 million came from the Cambodian government.

“Cambodia and China have had relations for more than 2,000 years. This long-standing friendship has become a valuable legacy for both our countries,” he said.

He added, “Cambodia and China are good neighbours, partners, and brothers, and this year marks the 66th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Cambodia-China relations are not only a comprehensive strategic partnership but have also become an inseparable iron-clad friendship.”

Mr Hun Manet expressed his sincere gratitude to the Chinese government and people for their continued support and cooperation in human resource development in Cambodia.

He believes these achievements will play an important role in enhancing the quality of education and strengthening the traditional friendship between the peoples of both countries.

He pledged to continue strengthening cooperation across all fields, emphasising that this year is a year of people-to-people exchanges, focusing on tourism, culture, and education. Cambodia and China have also held many joint events, including the recent participation of a Cambodian team of Bokator competitors at the International Sports Day in China, showcasing Cambodian culture. Cambodian students also have opportunities to study in China, enhancing their skills to contribute to their country’s development.

Mr Hun Manet noted that all these developments reflect an increase in mutual trust.

Wang Wenbin, the Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, said that investing in education in Cambodia is an investment in Sino-Cambodian relations. He emphasised that China is a reliable partner for Cambodia in defending its independence and accelerating development.

During the East Asia Summit, Mr Hun Manet publicly declared that Cambodia adheres to the one-China principle, affirming that the Chinese government is the only legitimate government representing all of China, including Taiwan.

Ambassador Wang thanked the Cambodian government and people for supporting China in defending its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlighting the mutual support between the two nations as a clear symbol of the China-Cambodia iron-clad friendship.

He added that China strongly supports Cambodia in defending its sovereignty, independence, and national dignity, and that it backs Cambodia’s development path suited to its conditions. China aims to assist Cambodia in achieving its goal of becoming a high-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050.

The ambassador also announced that China has agreed to help Cambodia develop a project to expand and improve the quality of National Road 7, and build a wastewater treatment system in Sihanoukville. The Chinese side will cooperate with Cambodia to expedite the necessary processes to start construction for both projects in the near future.

“I have always heard my Cambodian friends say that China’s success is Cambodia’s success,” he said. “This remark resonates deeply with me. I want to emphasise that helping Cambodia is helping China.”