Spokesman Underscores Diplomacy With China as Border Tensions Persist

PHNOM PENH, April 22, 2026 (KPT) — Government spokesman Pen Bona has highlighted the country’s new dialogue mechanism with China as a sign of “proactive and strategic diplomacy,” saying it will deepen cooperation across political, security and economic fields at a time of continuing border tensions with Thailand.

Speaking Thursday, Bona said the platform would allow both sides to exchange views on regional and international issues while reinforcing their comprehensive strategic partnership.

He linked the initiative to Cambodia’s broader message of peace and development, recalling the country’s history of conflict and division, including the Khmer Rouge era genocide, and its subsequent reconstruction.

Bona credited former Prime Minister Hun Sen and the ruling Cambodian People’s Party with securing national unity and peace, and said the current government under Prime Minister Hun Manet was building on that foundation to sustain stability and economic growth.

On recent border tensions with Thailand, Bona urged the public not to be discouraged, describing the situation as a test of national unity.

He stressed Cambodia would defend its sovereignty through peaceful means, guided by international law and the government’s “win win strategy.”

The approach reflects Cambodia’s determination to balance diplomacy with security, using dialogue to strengthen ties with partners while seeking lasting resolution of frontier disputes.