Wang Yi Says First China-Cambodia 2+2 Meeting Reflects ‘Ironclad Friendship’
Wang Yi Says First China-Cambodia 2+2 Meeting Reflects ‘Ironclad Friendship’
PHNOM PENH, April 23, 2026 — China and Cambodia have held the first meeting of their new 2+2 strategic dialogue mechanism involving foreign and defense ministers, marking a further deepening of ties between the close allies.
The inaugural talks took place in Cambodia on April 22, bringing together Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and defense officials with their Cambodian counterparts.
Wang said the launch of the mechanism reflected the “ironclad friendship” between China and Cambodia and demonstrated the importance both governments place on expanding strategic cooperation.
China is ready to work with Cambodia to turn the platform into a key channel for strengthening political coordination and defense-security cooperation, Wang said, according to an official Chinese statement.
He added that the mechanism would help reinforce the two countries’ commitment to standing together “through thick and thin” and contribute to building what Beijing calls a China-Cambodia community with a shared future.
The 2+2 format, commonly used for joint foreign and defense consultations, is regarded as a higher-level framework for aligning diplomatic and security policy.
Cambodia is one of China’s closest partners in Southeast Asia and has received extensive Chinese investment, infrastructure financing and military support in recent years.
The talks come as Beijing seeks to deepen regional partnerships amid growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, while Phnom Penh continues balancing economic development priorities with broader geopolitical pressures.
No specific agreements were immediately disclosed, but officials from both sides said the new mechanism would support long-term cooperation and regional stability.
