Crowds of well-wishers gather to greet Xi in Phnom Penh

Large crowds assembled along the streets of the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh to give a colorful welcome to Chinese President Xi Jinping as he arrived on Thursday to begin a two-day state visit to the country.

Well-wishers, including local residents as well as overseas Chinese, staff from Chinese enterprises, and representatives of Chinese students studying in Cambodia lined the streets to greet Xi's arrival.

Many were seen waving the national flags of the two countries and holding banners, while some held aloft portraits of Xi and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni by the roadside as the Chinese president's motorcade drove by.

People said they are excited about Xi's state visit -- his first to Cambodia in nine years -- which they hope can help strengthen the long-standing friendship between the two sides.

"It's hot but very exciting that I can see the president of China," said a woman from the crowd.

"There are so many people, and they are very happy," said a man who had headed out.

"I'm an overseas Chinese from Phnom Penh, and I'm happy to come here to welcome him to visit Phnom Penh," said another well-wisher.

"It's very exciting, and actually I'm happy to join in welcoming Mr. President Xi Jinping from China," said another.

Adding to the festive atmosphere on the streets was a vibrant drumming display and a traditional lion dance performance.

"I gave a drumming performance together with my fellow drummers today. China and Cambodia share a good friendship. I wish for more good things and more cooperation for China and Cambodia," said a performer.

Cambodia marks the final leg of Xi's five-day, three-nation Southeast Asia tour which earlier saw him complete state visits to Vietnam and Malaysia before arriving in Phnom Penh.

Crowds of well-wishers gather to greet Xi in Phnom Penh

As much as 37 percent of Americans saw their debt increase during this year's holiday shopping season, with average debt rising to 1,223 U.S. dollars from 1,181 dollars last year, according to the latest holiday debt survey of LendingTree, the nation's online loan marketplace.

The survey, conducted earlier this month among more than 2,000 U.S. consumers, found that rising tariffs and higher prices have put additional pressure on household budgets.

In a statement, LendingTree's chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz said the strain becomes more pronounced during the holiday season, as many consumers are reluctant to change long-standing shopping traditions, even as costs rise, leading to higher debt levels.

According to the survey, 63 percent of borrowers expect it will take three months or longer to repay their holiday-related debt, while about 41 percent said they are still paying off debt from last year. Schulz warned that if borrowers need six months to a year or more to repay their balances, the situation becomes more serious due to high credit card interest rates.

Data from Bankrate show that the average U.S. credit card interest rate currently exceeds 20 percent.

Meanwhile, U.S. consumers have grown increasingly pessimistic about their financial situation. Data released on Tuesday by The Conference Board showed that the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index fell for the fifth consecutive month in December, dropping to 89.1, the lowest level since April, amid deepening anxiety over jobs and income.

Over one-third of Americans rack up holiday debt: survey