China-Aid medical team brings traditional Chinese medicine to Cambodians

As an example of successful people-to-people exchange between China and Cambodia, the China-Aid medical team at Preah Kossamak Hospital in the capital city of Phnom Penh helps treat the medical conditions of Cambodian communities with the use of traditional Chinese healing techniques.

Oumeng Savada used to serve in the military but suffered from a severe stroke in a football game and was paralyzed there and then. As regular treatment was not effective, he turned to Chinese medicine for recovery.

"I was so sick that I couldn't walk. Now, I can walk normally. It's much better than before," said the patient.

"When he first came here, he had to be pushed in [on a wheelchair.] He could not even lift his arms. But now it is no longer a problem for him," said Yuan Geng, leader of the medical team.

After a China-Aid expansion project in 2022, Preah Kossamak Hospital became one of the best equipped public hospitals in Cambodia. The Chinese medicine quarter was also introduced at that point to provide Cambodian people with a whole new 'prescription' for their sickness and pains.

"The Cambodian people really like Chinese medicine, especially the acupuncture and manual therapy," said Koeurng Raksmiy, general medical doctor at Preah Kossamak Hospital.

Hearing about the wonderful healing effect of Chinese medicine, more and more Cambodian people came to the quarter to receive treatment. That included quite a few Royal Family members. Princess Jenna learned with much interest about the medical team’s work and the achievements of modern Chinese medicine.

"Actually, I know that my grandfather, my mom and a lot of my uncles come here for Chinese treatment, and they said it is quite effective. Actually, this is my first time coming here and after seeing that the Chinese medicine has helped a lot of Cambodian people ease the pains, it really makes me very happy. And also, I just hope that all the projects here will become more and more successful," said Jenna Norodom, the Cambodian Princess.

The Chinese medical team is scheduled to end their shift in Cambodia in coming July. In their spare time, they are conducting as many charity medical actions as they can - in communities, the countryside and remote areas.

"We are now training doctors in our consulting room and the entire Chinese medicine quarter, because we would like to leave a team here. Besides treating Cambodian people, we would also like to pass on the Chinese medicine knowledge here," Yuan said.

For the team members, Cambodia-China Friendship has driven them towards a higher goal than just finishing with an aiding mission.

China-Aid medical team brings traditional Chinese medicine to Cambodians

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth