PHNOM PENH, April 23, 2024 — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi extended his congratulations to the Cambodian People’s Party on their re-election. He expressed optimism that the relationship between the Chinese and Cambodian governments will continue to flourish, as it has under previous administrations. “The Chinese leadership holds Cambodian leaders in high esteem,” he stated.

Wang emphasized China's focus on cooperation between the two parties to contribute to changing information, strictly opposing any form of "color revolution," and striving for development, especially what has been previously agreed upon to make the cooperation between the two countries even stronger and more progressive.

WARM WELCOME AND LONGSTANDING PARTNERSHIP:

In his remarks, Hun Sen warmly welcomed Wang, considering him an old friend who has worked together for a very long time. The Cambodian leader recalled that within less than a year, Wang had visited Cambodia twice, demonstrating China's attentiveness towards the country at a time when Cambodia was undergoing a smooth transition with political stability and economic operations going well, and continuously developing.

Hun Sen also thanked Wang for his current visit and expressed hope that it would further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Cambodia and China.

The meeting between Wang and Hun Sen underscores the deepening ties between Cambodia and China, with Beijing vowing to support the security of the Cambodian leader and his family. This comes after Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party secured a landslide victory in the recent elections.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION:

China has been a major ally and benefactor of Cambodia, providing billions of dollars in aid and investment. Critics, however, have accused Beijing of undermining democracy and enabling Hun Sen's authoritarian rule.

The two countries have forged a strong economic and strategic partnership, with China being Cambodia's biggest trading partner and largest lender, supplying loans to finance airports, roads, and other infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.

As Hun Sen transitions to his new role as President of the Cambodian People's Party and President of the Senate, China's pledge of support for his security and that of his family signals Beijing's commitment to deepening ties with the new Cambodian leadership.