Cambodia and China Agree to Expand Strategic Dialogue Framework

PHNOM PENH, April 23, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and China have agreed to deepen their strategic partnership and expand a newly established high level dialogue mechanism, following talks in Phnom Penh.

The inaugural “2+2 Strategic Dialogue,” bringing together the foreign and defence ministers of both countries, was held on April 22.

It was co chaired by Cambodian Deputy Prime Ministers Prak Sokhonn and Tea Seiha, alongside Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defence Minister Dong Jun.

Cambodia’s foreign ministry described the meeting as a milestone in bilateral relations, signalling closer coordination on political, security and economic issues.

Both sides reaffirmed what they called an “ironclad friendship,” underpinned by mutual support on core interests.

Phnom Penh reiterated its backing for China’s Belt and Road Initiative and other global proposals advanced by President Xi Jinping.

Officials said the dialogue will be expanded into a “3+3” mechanism, adding Cambodia’s interior ministry and China’s public security ministry to reflect the growing scope of cooperation.

The two countries pledged to boost collaboration in digital development, green growth, supply chains and financial cooperation, while reinforcing existing frameworks such as the Diamond Cooperation initiative.

Both governments said stronger ties would contribute to national development and regional stability.