Cambodia Says Partnership with China is Growing Stronger
The friendly relations between Cambodia and China celebrated their 68th anniversary on July 19, 2026. Over the past six decades, cooperation between the two countries has steadily evolved from a political relationship to a strategic partnership encompassing economics, trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
Cambodian international relations observer and author Joseph Matthews assessed that the relationship between Phnom Penh and Beijing has successfully endured amidst changing global geopolitical dynamics. He stated that both countries remain committed to supporting each other on various strategic issues.
“What began as friendly solidarity has evolved into a strong economic partnership and a solid friendship,” Matthews wrote in his article.
He explained that Cambodia and China have consistently strengthened coordination through various regional forums, including ASEAN-China and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation. Both countries also prioritize the principle of peaceful coexistence and expand collaboration in various fields.
One of the key aspects of the relationship between the two countries is Cambodia’s involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by China in 2013. Through this program, various strategic projects have been built, including toll roads, seaports, international airports, hydroelectric power plants, and industrial parks.
“Cambodia is one of the early partners in the Belt and Road Initiative, which promotes infrastructure development and economic connectivity,” he wrote.
This collaboration has also contributed to the development of the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone as a new manufacturing and export hub in Cambodia. Furthermore, the implementation of the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is considered to have further expanded access for Cambodian products to the Chinese market.
Beyond infrastructure development, the two countries are also strengthening their partnership through the Diamond Hexagon cooperation framework, which covers six priority sectors: politics, production capacity, agriculture, energy, security, and people-to-people exchanges.
Matthews believes that the relationship between Cambodia and China will continue to grow in the long term. According to him, the foundation of the partnership built over decades is a crucial asset for both countries to face global challenges and strengthen cooperation in various strategic sectors.
“The 68-year relationship between our two countries has reached a new high, marked by a strong friendship and a community with a shared future,” he concluded.
