Cambodia hails ‘ironclad’ ties with China amid regional tensions

PHNOM PENH, March 31, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s National Assembly president on Tuesday lauded the country’s “resilient” and dependable ties with China, underscoring close bilateral relations amid regional strains.

Samdech Khuon Sudary made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin in Phnom Penh ahead of the Khmer New Year.

She said Cambodia’s development “cannot be separated” from Chinese support, adding that the friendship between the two nations had been strengthened over generations.

Samdech Sudary also praised Beijing’s role in promoting peaceful solutions to the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute, citing China’s initiative to host informal trilateral talks at Fuxian Lake in December 2025. The meeting, she said, helped encourage dialogue and ease tensions.

The assembly president commended Wang’s diplomatic work and noted his involvement in Chinese-funded projects, including a new bridge over the Mekong River in Kratie province, expected to boost connectivity and livelihoods.

“China has provided sustained assistance to Cambodia during challenging periods,” she said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hun Manet has outlined a vision to maintain peace and drive economic growth, aiming for Cambodia to reach upper-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2050.