Cambodian prosecutor calls for stronger China-ASEAN legal cooperation

CHONGQING, China (Nov.24,2025)— Cambodia’s Deputy Prosecutor General Phan Vannarath delivered closing remarks at the 7th China-ASEAN Legal Cooperation Forum, praising organizers and stressing the importance of regional legal collaboration.

Vannarath commended the China Law Society, the China-ASEAN Legal Research Center, the China Law Exchange Center and the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government for what he described as strong organization and warm hospitality.

He said the participation of senior scholars, researchers and legal experts added “significant theoretical depth and comparative insight” to the forum.

He noted that development of the legal sector “requires both practical experience and academic research,” underscoring the need for closer cooperation between universities and judicial institutions.

Legal partnerships, he said, are essential to supporting regional economic growth, particularly in commercial law, digital governance and cross-border connectivity.

Vannarath reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to judicial reform and alignment with international legal standards. Addressing transnational crime, he said Cambodia is intensifying efforts against telecommunications fraud, cybercrime, money laundering and human trafficking.

“No country can tackle these challenges alone,” he said, calling for stronger cooperation, mutual legal assistance and shared investigative capabilities among China and ASEAN member states.

He also highlighted academic exchanges, joint research programs and legal education as key pillars for building what he called a stronger regional justice community.

Vannarath concluded by reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to deepening China-ASEAN legal cooperation, expressing confidence that partnerships strengthened in Chongqing would support continued collaboration.