Fujian, China, 27 October 2024 — Honourable Mr. Vong Sauth, Second Vice-President of Cambodia's National Assembly, participated in the Second World Conference of Sinologists on “Understanding Chinese Civilization and Promoting World Modernization” held in Fujian, China. The Vice-President was also specially invited to give a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the conference this morning.

Addressing the conference, Honourable Vice-President said the theme of the conference was crucial and relevant to the current context, as we are at a stage where globalization, technology, and cultural change are shaping our future. Therefore, the study of China's great civilization, along with its successes and initiatives, is essential for achieving world harmonization. Chinese civilization, being one of the oldest and most enduring, has significantly contributed to the development of philosophy, science, art, governance, and global diplomacy.

Honourable Second Vice-President of the National Assembly emphasized that Cambodia and China have had relations since ancient times and have made steady progress until now. During the 19th and 20th centuries, many Chinese people, including those from Fujian Province, migrated to various places in Southeast Asia, including Cambodia. They have lived in Cambodia for generations, maintaining and adhering to their ancestral traditions and culture. Today, Cambodia and China are becoming comprehensive strategic partners, ironclad friends, and building a Community of a Shared Future. Cambodia-China relations are not based on the size or strength of the countries, but on principles of equality, respect for independence, sovereignty, and a focus on common interests.

Honourable Vice-President expressed support for the Global Civilization Initiative, launched by Honourable President Xi Jinping, which values respect for the diversity of civilizations, human values, the importance of heritage and civilizational innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. Based on these principles, China is willing to work with all parties to jointly promote the universal values of peace, development, justice, democracy, and freedom.

In order to achieve global modernization and build a Community of Shared Future for humanity, Honourable Mr. Vong Sauth provided several recommendations to the conference. He emphasized the importance of promoting cooperation between institutions and researchers from China, both bilaterally and multilaterally, to share knowledge. He also highlighted the need to promote harmony between diverse civilizations and respect the principle of peaceful coexistence, which is essential for resolving conflicts and geopolitical tensions. Additionally, he supported sustainable development initiatives to modernize the world in line with environmental sustainability and global prosperity. Honourable Mr. Vong Sauth advocated for promoting innovation and economic growth by learning from China’s example of success to ensure mutually beneficial modernization.

Finally, he called for building Community of a Shared Future for humanity that focuses on mutual respect, mutual interests, and development for all. Honourable Mr. Vong Sauth expressed Cambodia’s commitment to working with all parties and nations, regardless of multiculturalism, to maintain peace and promote multilateralism to realize a harmonious world.