Infrastructure, digital development highlighted as Chinese FM visits Cambodia: expert

Recent meetings between top political figures in Cambodia and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi centered on cooperation on infrastructure, digital technology and green development, as well as cultural exchange, said a leading Cambodian scholar of international relations on Sunday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea in the Southeast Asian country's capital of Phnom Penh on Sunday.

Wang is also set to meet with a number of senior officials and co-chair the seventh Meeting of the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee.

This visit not only celebrates 65 years of diplomatic relations but also the Year of People-to-People Exchange.

"China has been the largest source of foreign direct investment for several consecutive years, making significant contribution to Cambodia's economic growth. Chinese enterprises have invested in various sectors, including transportation, electricity, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, special economic zones, and information and communications," said Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia.

Wang's agenda was packed with cultural and economic discussions aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations. China has long supported Cambodia in building infrastructure and introducing innovative technology, including significant projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Digital economy and transformation is an important topic of discussion between Wang and his Cambodian counterpart. Many ASEAN countries are already adopting technological advancements and artificial intelligence, and Cambodia is showing signs that it wants China's assistance in becoming part of that technological growth.

China's influence in Cambodia is evident through the roads and ports built as part of their development projects. These initiatives are crucial as Cambodia seeks to transform into a nation of smart cities.

"China's digital technology expertise can significantly benefit Cambodia by assisting e-commerce platforms, smart city projects, and e-government, which align with the Cambodia Digital Government policy 2022-2035. Additionally, I think for the environmental sector, China's leadership in renewable energy technology can help Cambodia transition toward cleaner energy sources like solar power projects, promoting energy security, and environmental sustainability. This collaboration could boost Cambodia's global competitiveness," Kin said.

Infrastructure, digital development highlighted as Chinese FM visits Cambodia: expert

A French student from the School of Chinese Language and Literature at Beijing Foreign Studies University recently called for more educational exchanges between the two countries.

During an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Bouaoud Elies shared his experience living and studying in China.

After graduating from the business school at Beijing Foreign Studies University, Elies decided to stay in the country. He said he continues to study Chinese to improve his competitiveness and explore the huge trade opportunities between the two countries.

"I mean I love it here. I don't want to go back to France. I would like to become the bridge between France and China. So, if I can do this, thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, the Silk Road, now the relations between France and China are very good. So, I think a lot of things will happen," he said.

Elies also said he hopes that more French students could visit China and develop a better understanding of the country.

France was the first major western country to establish full diplomatic ties with China, and the history of educational exchanges can be traced back more than a century and a half when China sent its students to France to study maritime affairs.

Since then, exchanges have deepened considerably.

"In China, we have established 14 French training centers. In France, we have established 19 Confucius Institutes. These institutions serve as bridges for mutual understanding and trust between the youth and people of the two countries, enhancing language and cultural connections," said Yang Dan, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges under the Ministry of Education.

French student calls for more educational exchanges with China