Xi’s Southeast Asia Tour Ends with Strategic Cambodia Visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in Cambodia on April 17 for a two-day state visit, marking the final stop of his Southeast Asia tour. This visit, his first since 2016, focuses on boosting China-Cambodia ties, especially in trade, infrastructure, and regional cooperation.

Xi was warmly welcomed by King Norodom Sihamoni in Phnom Penh, after which he was set to confer with Prime Minister Hun Manet and attend Senate President Hun Sen.. Speaking on this occasion, Xi said that Cambodia is a key partner and assured continued support for its growth.

For many years now, China and Cambodia have been growing closer and closer together, with China being a leading partner in investment and trade. By 2024, trade between China and Cambodia alone crossed $15 billion, with funds being allocated for large infrastructure projects such as roads and airports.

The visit also coincides with a symbolic period of the 50th anniversary since the Khmer Rouge took over in 1975. Although China was once a great supporter of the Khmer Rouge, both nations now seek to develop future cooperation rather than resurrect past controversies.

American protectionist tariffs and the political crises that ensue from the increased tensions between China and the U.S. develop under mounting pressure on regional economies. Therefore, by bolstering such long-term alliances with countries such as Cambodia, China is optimizing its regional footprint to avail itself of opportunities as a stable, reliable partner.