Cambodian residents say Xi's state visit crucial to bilateral relations

The just-concluded state visit to Cambodia by Chinese President Xi Jinping is highly significant for relations between the two countries and presents an opportunity to further deepen bilateral cooperation, according to two Cambodian residents interviewed by China Global Television Network (CGTN).

At the invitation of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, President Xi paid a state visit to Cambodia on Thursday and Friday -- the final leg of a three-nation Southeast Asia tour that also included Vietnam and Malaysia.

Mon Meng Ean, an English teacher, said that President Xi's visit provided a good opportunity to strengthen ties between the two countries.

"In my opinion, I think Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is visiting Cambodia, is a significant move, in terms of the bilateral relationship with Cambodia. I think this is a golden opportunity for Cambodia to grow our relationship with China," he said.

During the visit, China and Cambodia signed more than 30 bilateral cooperation agreements. The teacher highlighted the potential for enhanced trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

"China free trade agreement, it is working with Cambodia on business or investment in Cambodia. And just like we can import their products, our goods go to the Chinese market. And this what we are practicing now with China," he said.

"Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that our relationship is ironclad friendship. I think this is the base for a shared future or the mutual benefit for our countries," he added.

Sreynu, a college student, said she believes the visit will bring more opportunities for Cambodia's economic development.

"This very impressive state visit included three countries -- Vietnam, Malaysia and our country, Cambodia -- to talk more about bilateral agreements that we have to strengthen foremost and bring more opportunities about the economic growth or especially our challenges currently about the tariffs from the U.S. So yes, I think this is a great chance for us," Sreynu said.

Cambodian residents say Xi's state visit crucial to bilateral relations

China's movie industry is increasingly deriving its earnings from broader consumer economy.

Released during the 2025 summer season, the film "Nobody" became China's highest-grossing two-dimensional animated film -- and its success went beyond theaters.

Through licensing and brand partnerships, the movie has generated 2.5 billion yuan (about 358.3 million U.S. dollars) in retail sales to consumers, with more than 800 licensed products on the market.

Ranging from plush toys to food and home goods, the movie-related merchandise can be purchased from over 3,000 online and offline outlets.

Meanwhile, souvenir stores are crowded at Shanghai Disneyland's Zootopia themed land, with hats, plush toys, and collectibles seeing steady demand from visitors.

"China's film industry is no longer defined by box office revenue alone. It has become a new growth engine that links and energizes multiple cultural sectors. At the heart of every successful film is strong storytelling. High-quality productions create cultural value, which in turn enhances the commercial value of intellectual property and opens up new consumption opportunities. I believe China's film industry delivered an outstanding performance in the past year," said Chen Xiaoda, vice dean of Shanghai Vancouver Film School.

Film IP fuels expansion of consumer market