Poll Finds Strong Cambodian Support for Closer China Ties

PHNOM PENH, May 8, 2026 (KPT) — A new survey has revealed overwhelming public support in Cambodia for closer relations with China, with most respondents viewing Beijing as the country’s most important development partner.

The nationwide poll by the Asian Vision Institute, conducted between December 2025 and March 2026, gathered responses from 2,612 participants across all 25 provinces and cities.

According to the findings, 96 percent expressed positive views of China, while 97 percent described Cambodia–China relations as hopeful. Nearly all respondents — 99.7 percent — said the relationship was important, with almost one third identifying China as Cambodia’s “most important” foreign partner.

China’s economic power, development experience and technological progress were cited as key reasons for favorable perceptions.

Flagship projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, including the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway, the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and the Cambodia–China Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital, were ranked among the most beneficial.

The findings come against the backdrop of record bilateral trade and investment in 2025. Cambodia–China trade surged past US$4 billion in the first quarter alone, a 26 percent increase from the previous year, with China accounting for nearly half of Cambodia’s imports.

Chinese investment represented more than half of Cambodia’s registered capital, with US$2.5 billion across 172 projects, underscoring Beijing’s role as the country’s largest investor.

Respondents said such projects had improved infrastructure, created jobs and expanded opportunities.

However, concerns were noted over online scams and illegal activities involving some Chinese nationals. AVI said addressing these issues would be vital to sustaining long term cooperation.