An article by Chinese President Xi Jinping published on Thursday in Cambodian media outlets, which reaffirmed the commitment to building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future, has been welcomed by people from all walks of life in the Southeast Asian nation.
Cambodia is the last stop of Xi's Southeast Asia tour, which also included state visits to Vietnam and Malaysia. Before Xi's arrival in Phnom Penh on Thursday, Cambodian media outlets, including the Khmer Times, Jian Hua Daily, and Fresh News, published his signed article.
In the article headlined "Together We Strive, Together We Thrive: Toward a Stable and Sustainable China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future in the New Era," Xi said China is Cambodia's largest trading partner and largest source of investment, with Chinese-backed infrastructure projects bolstering the long-term development of the country.
He said in the article that he hopes his visit to Cambodia will spearhead progress in building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future, a view shared by many in Cambodia.
Many prominent figures from all walks of life in Cambodia said they resonated with Xi's words.
"I am deeply moved by this article from the Chinese President Xi Jinping. It beautifully honors the unbreakable bond between our two nations. What moved me most was the story of a deaf Cambodian girl who said 'Mom' for the first time thanks to the care of a Chinese medical team. China has built more than roads and bridges in Cambodia; it has built trust, compassion, and hope, from the 'Friendship Road' to the 'Happiness Spring'," said Nito Lim, president of the Cambodia-China Digital Youth Association.
"The sentence that left the strongest impression on me is 'True friendship is like refined gold, withstand all tests of time'. The metaphor of refined gold suggests a bond that is not only durable but also precious, highlighting the value both countries place on their relationship," said Chandarith Neak, director of the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy at Royal University of Phnom Penh.
They expressed their hope that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Cambodia and China will achieve more positive results and bring greater benefits to the people of both countries.
"It's very important for us. It means that China puts great importance for Cambodia and the relations between our two countries. We are jointly building a shared community with a shared future with a very high level, high quality and high standard," said Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia.
"Xi noted that China and Cambodia must champion Asian values and humanity's common values. This viewpoint is insightful and provides a clear direction for our Chinese language teaching and education work," said Vuth Sophakna, director of International Chinese Education and Teachers Institute at Royal Academy of Cambodia.
President Xi’s article in Cambodian media draws warm response
