by Thong Mengdavid

Cambodia-China ties are rock-solid and unbreakable, setting a model for a pioneering type of international relations in the modern era. The two countries have forged an ironclad friendship that has weathered numerous storms and overcome many difficulties. They treat each other as trustworthy friends and reliable partners, and always provide staunch support for each other's core interests.

Bilateral relations have grown from a strong historical foundation to a deep strategic partnership based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. Since the 1950s, China has provided consistent economic and diplomatic support for Cambodia. In the modern era, under the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, China has become Cambodia's top trade and investment partner.

The friendship has been reflected in high political trust, cooperation in infrastructure, trade and security, and Cambodia's backing of China on key international issues. China-Cambodia cooperation, through the "Diamond Hexagon" framework and projects like the Industrial Development Corridor and the "Fish-Rice Corridor," has significantly boosted Cambodia's economy. The Industrial Development Corridor is essential to helping transform Cambodia into an industrial hub, while the "Fish-Rice Corridor" will enhance food security and exports. These initiatives have aligned with Cambodia's "Pentagonal Strategy," which focuses on industrialization, agriculture and infrastructure.

Flagship projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, such as the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, and Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, have generated tens of thousands of jobs, improved trade and travel efficiency, and further driven Cambodia's economic and tourism growth.

China has also significantly contributed to Cambodia's development through experience-sharing, infrastructure investment and poverty alleviation programs. The establishment of poverty alleviation demonstration villages has applied China's successful strategies, incorporating modern agriculture, vocational training and rural development. Additionally, exchange and cooperation between the Cambodian People's Party and the Communist Party of China has strengthened Cambodia's governance by providing insights into rural revitalization and stability, which in turn supports the country's long-term growth.

All these projects and cooperation have injected vigorous momentum into building a high-quality, high-level and high-standard Cambodia-China community with a shared future. As the Global South gains more influence, China's approach, rooted in non-interference and mutual benefit, has resonated with many countries seeking development. Cambodia, as a key Chinese partner, exemplifies how nations in the Global South can leverage Chinese investments to accelerate economic progress.

China has positioned itself as a leading advocate for the Global South, bolstering developing countries' economic independence through infrastructure and industrial investments. Simultaneously, it has championed reforms in global governance by upholding UN-centered multilateralism, advanced South-South Cooperation, and aided nations in digital transformation, 5G application and green energy projects.

Editor's note: Thong Mengdavid is a lecturer at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy at the Royal University of Phnom Penh.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.

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