Diplomacy: Xi Jinping in Phnom Penh, ‘opposing hegemony and protectionism’

Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a two-day state visit to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 17 and 18 April 2025, marking his first visit to the country since 2016 and concluding a tour of three Southeast Asian countries that included Vietnam and Malaysia.

Xi Jinping. Photo STPM

The visit aimed to further strengthen the already solid bilateral relations between China and Cambodia in the context of current regional economic and geopolitical developments.

Upon his arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport on 17 April, Xi was welcomed by King Norodom Sihamoni and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Prak Sokhonn. Later, the Chinese president held meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen, Hun Manet's father and predecessor as prime minister. The visit coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge's seizure of power, a dark chapter in Cambodia's history, although this sensitive topic was not discussed during the visit.

Unwavering support

In his statement upon arrival, Xi emphasised Cambodia's importance in China's neighbourhood diplomacy, pledging unwavering support for Cambodia's strategic autonomy and its chosen path of development. He reaffirmed China's commitment to supporting Cambodia's socio-economic progress, describing the two countries as ‘unwavering friends’ linked by deep military and economic ties.

Trade and economic cooperation were at the heart of the visit. Cambodia is a key player in regional trade, especially as it faces high tariffs imposed by the United States, including a potential 49% tax on exports to the United States after a temporary suspension. Cambodia, which is heavily dependent on exports of clothing and footwear, much of which is managed by Chinese entrepreneurs, is seeking to negotiate tariff reductions and obtain additional financial support from China.

Commitments

Discussions focused on infrastructure projects such as the ambitious Funan Techo Canal, but no new financial commitments were publicly announced during the visit. Cambodia's external debt to China remains significant, with China being the country's largest creditor and investor, contributing to the construction of roads, airports and other development projects.

During the visit, 37 documents were signed covering a wide range of sectors, including investment, trade, education, finance, agriculture, health, tourism and women's issues, underscoring the breadth of bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Hun Manet described China as an ‘important and indispensable friend’ and a ‘first-rate partner,’ emphasising the strategic and economic importance of the relationship.

Xi Jinping's visit also had a geopolitical dimension, as he called on Cambodia and the region to oppose ‘hegemony’ and ‘protectionism,’ echoing his messages in Vietnam and Malaysia. This position is widely seen as a response to the trade policies and tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which have created tensions in Southeast Asia's export-driven economies. China has therefore positioned itself as a stable and reliable partner in this context of global uncertainty.

Growing influence

The visit also highlighted China's growing influence in Cambodia, particularly in the area of strategic infrastructure, such as the expansion of the Ream naval base, which is raising regional security concerns. Cambodia maintains that the base is open to all friendly navies under certain conditions and denies any Chinese military presence.

Xi Jinping's visit to Phnom Penh will therefore undoubtedly strengthen the partnership between the two countries through high-level meetings, wide-ranging agreements and mutual commitments to economic development and strategic cooperation, against a backdrop of changing regional trade dynamics and geopolitical challenges. The visit has therefore highlighted China's role as Cambodia's main economic partner and a key player in the changing landscape of Southeast Asia.

Enthusiastic welcome

Cambodians gave an enthusiastic and warm welcome to President Xi Jinping's visit to Phnom Penh. Large crowds gathered in the streets of the capital, many arriving early despite the sweltering heat, to witness this historic event and show their support. Folk ceremonies were held, including Cambodian girls dressed in traditional costumes offering jasmine petals, a unique cultural gesture to honour distinguished guests. The atmosphere was festive, with streets decorated with Chinese and Cambodian flags and electronic billboards displaying warm messages such as ‘Welcome President Xi’ and ‘May the friendship between our two countries last forever.’

Xi Jinping in Phnom Penh

Residents expressed very positive feelings about the visit. Many view China as a ‘steadfast friend’ and an essential partner for Cambodia's economic development. An employee at Phnom Penh airport described the close ties between the two countries, while a 68-year-old Chinese restaurant owner in Phnom Penh expressed pride and enthusiasm about the visit, hoping for an increase in Chinese tourism and business growth. Local media and officials also expressed positive sentiments, highlighting their hopes for enhanced cooperation and economic opportunities arising from the visit.

The visit was widely seen as a reaffirmation of the deep and strategic partnership between Cambodia and China. The warm welcome extended by the people reflected their gratitude for China's significant investments in Cambodia's infrastructure and economy, which have created jobs and contributed to national progress.

Overall, the reaction of the Cambodian people was marked by enthusiasm, respect and optimism, underscoring the importance of Sino-Cambodian relations in the eyes of the public and their expectations for continued cooperation and development.