Cambodian Senate president Hun Sen (left), leader of the CPP, meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on December 3. SHS
Hun Sen, president of the Cambodian Senate and leader of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), met personally with Chinese President Xi Jinping on December 3, as part of his three-day official visit to China.
He encouraged increased security cooperation in areas like fraud and online gambling, while also suggesting that party-to-party and diplomatic ties be strengthened.
The two leaders emphasised their commitment to enhancing the "ironclad friendship" and advancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
A social media post by the former prime minister shared that he had requested continued Chinese support for Cambodia in the form of grants and concessional loans to encourage investment.
In addition, he urged greater collaboration on security, including combating cross-border crimes, fraud and online gambling offenses.
Hun Sen also highlighted the importance of fortifying ties between political parties, particularly the CPP and the Chinese Communist Party, while enhancing Cambodia-China diplomatic relations within regional and international forums.
Although there was no detailed mention of the Funan Techo Canal project, the post acknowledged Hun Sen’s gratitude to Xi Jinping for China’s support of the initiative.
President Xi noted that China and Cambodia have consistently worked together to protect their mutual interests amid rapidly changing and complex international dynamics. He pledged continued support for Cambodia in building a “high-quality, advanced and standardised Cambodia-China shared future community in the new era”.
“The two countries must seize the opportunity to strengthen new win-win cooperation frameworks, including reforms and innovative development in building a shared future community. This includes implementing the Diamond Hexagon Cooperation Framework and fostering industrial, technological, fisheries and agricultural corridors,” he added.
Xi also encouraged synergy between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Pentagonal Strategy of the new Cambodian government.
The post highlighted Xi’s appreciation for Cambodia’s rapid development and improved living standards, expressing excitement over strengthened people-to-people ties. He noted that Cambodia remains a popular destination for Chinese tourists.
Hun Sen expressed gratitude to China for its past support, citing examples such as the Morodok Techo National Stadium and Covid-19 vaccine donations, amid other forms of assistance.
He described the visit as underscoring the deep-rooted friendship and ongoing cooperation between Cambodia and China across multiple domains.
