Cambodia, China Upgrade Strategic Dialogue From 2+2 to 3+3 Format
Cambodia, China Upgrade Strategic Dialogue From 2+2 to 3+3 Format
PHNOM PENH, April 23, 2026 — Cambodia and China have agreed to upgrade their bilateral “2+2” strategic dialogue mechanism to a broader “3+3” format, bringing internal security agencies into high-level talks as the two countries deepen political, defense and economic cooperation.
The decision was announced following the first Cambodia-China 2+2 Strategic Dialogue in Phnom Penh on April 22, co-chaired by Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Defense Minister Tea Seiha, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun.
Under the expanded framework, Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior and China’s Ministry of Public Security will join future meetings, transforming the mechanism into a 3+3 platform.
The Cambodian Foreign Ministry said the change reflects the growing scope of bilateral cooperation and the need for stronger coordination in response to evolving regional and international developments.
The original 2+2 model, which combines foreign and defense ministers, is commonly used by countries seeking closer strategic alignment on diplomacy and security matters. The addition of interior and public security portfolios suggests a broader agenda that could include law enforcement, transnational crime, cyber threats and internal security cooperation.
Both sides said the upgraded mechanism would serve as a vital platform to deepen strategic communication, enhance policy coordination and respond collectively to emerging challenges domestically, regionally and globally.
The dialogue also reaffirmed Cambodia-China ties as a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” and highlighted what both governments described as an “ironclad friendship.”
Cambodia reiterated support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative and welcomed broader cooperation in digital transformation, green development, blue economy, infrastructure connectivity, resilient supply chains and financial cooperation.
The two sides also pledged to advance flagship bilateral initiatives including the Diamond Cooperation Framework, the Industrial and Technological Corridor, and the Fish and Rice Corridor.
The announcement comes as China continues to strengthen partnerships across Southeast Asia amid growing geopolitical competition, while Cambodia remains one of Beijing’s closest regional allies.
Officials said the enhanced 3+3 format would contribute not only to the prosperity of both countries, but also to peace, stability and development in the wider region.
