by Eng Kok Thay
As Cambodia and China commemorate the 68th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the two countries stand at the new height of a friendship forged through history, strengthened by mutual trust, and guided by a shared vision for peace, development and prosperity.
Over the past six decades and more, deep historical roots have laid a solid foundation for today's rock-solid ties between Cambodia and China across all fields of cooperation.
The two Asian nations formally established diplomatic relations on July 19, 1958, under the leadership of Cambodian King Father Norodom Sihanouk and China's elder generation of leaders. Since then, bilateral ties have continued to deepen and expand, evolving into a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in 2010, later into an ironclad friendship characterized by unwavering mutual support and trust and a "Diamond Hexagon" cooperation framework.
Historical exchanges between the two civilizations can be traced back to the Angkorian period, when diplomatic, cultural and commercial contacts flourished between the Khmer Empire and China. Zhou Daguan, a Chinese diplomat of the Yuan Dynasty, famously wrote about what he saw of the Khmer Empire and its people in 1296.
In contemporary times, the two countries have cultivated their relationship on the basis of 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. These principles have provided enduring guidance for bilateral cooperation and have enabled both countries to maintain a relationship marked by respect, trust and shared interests.
Today, Cambodia regards China as one of its closest and most trusted partners, while China considers Cambodia an ironclad friend. This high level of political trust has elevated bilateral relations to their new historic heights.
The Cambodia-China partnership has delivered substantial benefits to both countries while contributing positively to regional peace, stability and development. At a time when geopolitical uncertainties and economic challenges are affecting many parts of the world, the two countries continue to demonstrate the value of dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect in international relations.
China has played an important role in Cambodia's socio-economic transformation and poverty reduction efforts. Through trade, investment, development assistance and infrastructure cooperation, China has contributed significantly to Cambodia's modernization and economic growth.
In 2023, Cambodia and China agreed to implement the "Diamond Hexagon" cooperation framework, focusing on six priority areas: politics, production capacity, agriculture, energy, security and people-to-people exchanges. The two countries have also advanced cooperation through the Industrial Development Corridor and the Fish and Rice Corridor, further strengthening economic connectivity and sustainable development.
As China continues to achieve remarkable progress in industrialization, technological innovation and modern agriculture, Cambodia has benefited from technology transfer, human resource development, skills training and practical experience gained through Chinese investment and cooperation projects.
Under the Belt and Road Initiative, China has supported the construction of numerous infrastructure projects in Cambodia, including roads, bridges, airports, hydropower plants and special economic zones. These projects have enhanced connectivity, strengthened energy security and improved the overall investment environment.
China is also the largest investor in Cambodia's hydropower sector, helping to stabilize the country's energy supply and support long-term economic development. Chinese investment and assistance have created employment opportunities, improved livelihoods and contributed to Cambodia's sustained poverty reduction efforts.
Beyond economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges have become an increasingly important pillar of bilateral relations. Educational exchanges, scholarships, cultural cooperation, tourism and growing interactions between the people of both countries have fostered greater mutual understanding and friendship.
The Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025 injected fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation, particularly in tourism, culture and people-to-people exchanges. China remains Cambodia's largest investor and trading partner and is one of the country's most important sources of international tourists.
The pilot visa-free policy for Chinese nationals, launched from June 15 to Oct. 15, 2026, is expected to further facilitate travel and strengthen people-to-people connections.
Beyond bilateral achievements, Cambodia-China relations have become an important pillar of regional cooperation and integration. The two countries share a commitment to multilateralism, open economic development and peaceful coexistence. Their partnership demonstrates how countries with different sizes and levels of development can work together on the basis of equality, mutual respect and common interests.
Looking ahead, the Cambodia-China relationship is entering a new stage of development. Building on 68 years of friendship, mutual support and practical cooperation, both countries are well-positioned to deepen collaboration in trade, investment, digital technology, green development, tourism, education and cultural exchanges.
Through the strong commitment and shared efforts of the leaders and people of both countries, the construction of an all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era will continue to advance. As this partnership grows stronger and more comprehensive, it will contribute not only to the well-being of the Cambodian and Chinese peoples but also to regional peace, stability and prosperity.
Editor's note: Eng Kok Thay is a secretary of state of Cambodia's Council of Ministers.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.