Cambodia, China Reaffirm ‘Ironclad’ Friendship and Expand Bilateral Cooperation

TIANJIN, China (Aug 31, 2025)— Cambodia and China reaffirmed their enduring “ironclad” friendship and held in-depth discussions on strengthening cooperation across key sectors for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The meeting took place between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Summit in Tianjin, China, from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1, 2025.

According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, both sides recalled Xi’s historic state visit to Cambodia in April and reiterated their commitment to implementing the consensus reached during that visit. They pledged to advance the shared vision of building an “All-Weather Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future in the New Era.”

President Xi reaffirmed China’s strong support for Cambodia’s development, modernization and regional integration. He emphasized cooperation under key bilateral frameworks, including the Diamond Hexagon Cooperation Framework, the “Fish and Rice Corridor,” and the Industrial and Technological Corridor.

Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed appreciation for China’s longstanding contributions to Cambodia’s socio-economic progress. He stressed the importance of expanding bilateral trade and investment, strengthening supply chains through the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement, and advancing infrastructure development. He highlighted China’s continued support for strategic projects such as the Funan Techo Canal and the Integrated Water Management Project.

Xi encouraged relevant institutions in both countries to coordinate closely to ensure timely implementation of mature infrastructure projects, delivering tangible benefits to both peoples.

The leaders also discussed defense and security cooperation, agreeing to intensify efforts in capacity building and joint action against cybercrime, online scams and other transnational threats.

On the Cambodia-Thailand border situation, Xi voiced support for the ceasefire agreement, the ASEAN observation mechanism led by Malaysia, and the early establishment of the ASEAN Observer Team. He also announced China’s humanitarian assistance to Cambodia to aid reconstruction and livelihood recovery for communities affected by the recent conflict.

Hun Manet expressed deep gratitude for China’s constructive role in facilitating peaceful dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand. He underscored China’s support for the ceasefire and ASEAN-led monitoring as vital to restoring peace and stability along the border. He also thanked Xi for the humanitarian aid, which he said is critical to rebuilding affected communities and easing hardships.

The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to elevating Cambodia-China relations and ensuring the partnership delivers concrete benefits for both nations while contributing to regional and global peace, stability and development.