China and Cambodia share a deep-rooted bilateral relationship that stretches back decades, while the two countries remain committed to jointly addressing regional and global challenges, according to a Cambodian international relations expert.
The two sides first established formal diplomatic ties in 1958, and have enjoyed frequent high-level exchanges which have reinforced their strategic political trust, solidified a longstanding friendship and fostered mutual benefits.
Relations between the two countries are in the spotlight as Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh on Thursday to begin a two-day state visit at the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni.
The close China-Cambodia connection goes back to King Sihamoni's father, the late King Norodom Sihanouk. He had lived in exile in the historical Dong Jiao Min Alley, part of the old Legation Quarter in Beijing, before heading home to lead his country to independence. He later returned to spend his final years at this location considering it as his second home, before he passed away in the Chinese capital at the age of 89 in 2012.
Kin Phea, director general of International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, highlighted how this important history has laid the foundations for the ties between the two countries.
"The monarchy is very important in stabilizing our bilateral relationship. Governments may change, but the monarchy, the king is there. The most important figure in Cambodia was our late king, who laid very solid foundation for our bilateral relations," he said.
Looking ahead to possible outcomes from Xi's current visit to Cambodia, which marks his first to the country in nine years, Phea said he expects deeper cooperation across multiple fields.
"It also highlights the solidarity between the two countries and our commitment to address the regional and global challenges we face together. China has become an engine of global growth [which] protects multilateralism in trade, in governance, and development, particularly inclusive prosperity," he said.
China, Cambodia share strong legacy of diplomatic ties: expert
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
