Phnom Penh – In a recent statement, Wang Wenbin, the Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, asserted the positive impact of Chinese assistance on Cambodia's infrastructure development, emphasizing the progress of new projects. Ambassador Wang reiterated China's commitment to continue supporting Cambodia in its efforts to enhance infrastructure that benefits both the national economy and the livelihoods of its citizens. He dismissed any attempts to discredit the China-Cambodia cooperation as futile.

This statement follows a report that claimed the Chinese government had halted lending to Cambodia, which was rejected by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Meas Soksensan, spokesman for the Ministry, released a video to clarify the situation, affirming that the relationship between Cambodia and China remains robust and is strengthened through ongoing investments and various agreements.

Soksensan elaborated, “We have many ongoing projects that require reviews and signings within the framework of cooperation and grant financing agreements. This includes several concessional financing projects that we plan to pursue together.” He regarded the circulating claims about China stopping its loans as misleading and emphasized that the projects in question are still at the feasibility study phase, focusing on assessing their economic and social impacts.

Highlighting the special relationship between Cambodia and China, Soksensan pointed to recent high-level visits, including those of Senate President Hun Sen and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn, as well as the recent visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister to Cambodia. He noted that numerous investors have shown interest in exploring opportunities in Cambodia and have made courtesy calls on Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Senate President Hun Sen’s visit to China earlier this month, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, reinforced bilateral ties. He expressed gratitude to President Xi for the generous gift of the Morodok Techo National Stadium, which was instrumental in Cambodia’s successful hosting of the SEA Games and aims to fulfill the aspirations of the Cambodian people, particularly the youth. During the meeting, Hun Sen also briefed the Chinese President on Cambodia’s successful leadership transition over the past year, highlighting achievements in political stability, economic growth, macroeconomic stability, and improved livelihoods for the Cambodian people.

This dialogue underscores the ongoing support and cooperation between China and Cambodia, aimed at fostering mutual growth and development amidst any external challenges.