Cambodia, China Pledge Deeper Strategic Ties at First 2+2 Dialogue in Phnom Penh
Cambodia, China Pledge Deeper Strategic Ties at First 2+2 Dialogue in Phnom Penh
PHNOM PENH, April 22, 2026 — Cambodia and China pledged on Wednesday to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across defence, trade and infrastructure as Prime Minister Hun Manet hosted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defence Minister Dong Jun in Phnom Penh.
The meeting took place alongside the first Cambodia-China “2+2” strategic dialogue, bringing together the two countries’ foreign and defence ministers in a format aimed at strengthening policy coordination on major regional and bilateral issues.
Wang and Dong conveyed greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, according to a statement published by Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, on his official Facebook page.
Wang praised Cambodia’s rapid development and described ties between the two countries as a long-standing friendship that had evolved into an “all-weather community with a shared future.”
Hun Manet welcomed the Chinese delegation and reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Beijing across all sectors. He also reaffirmed Phnom Penh’s support for the One-China policy.
The two sides discussed cooperation in politics, trade, investment, national defence, security, clean energy, transport infrastructure and agriculture, the statement said.
China remains Cambodia’s largest source of investment and one of its closest diplomatic partners, with major Chinese-backed projects ranging from roads and bridges to special economic zones and energy facilities.
The launch of the 2+2 mechanism reflects growing strategic coordination between the two countries at a time of rising geopolitical competition in Southeast Asia.
Officials also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in regional and international forums, though no specific agreements were immediately announced.
During the talks, Hun Manet briefed the Chinese ministers on recent developments along Cambodia’s border with Thailand and reiterated Cambodia’s position that disputes should be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law, existing treaties and bilateral agreements.
The visit comes as Phnom Penh and Beijing continue to deepen defence ties, while Cambodia seeks to balance economic growth, regional diplomacy and border stability.
