Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated on Thursday that China is ready to remain a reliable friend and partner to Cambodia amid the current volatile and uncertain international environment.
Wang, who also serves as a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made these remarks during a meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on the sidelines of the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
He expressed hope that China and Cambodia would implement stronger and more effective joint measures to eliminate cross-border crimes such as online gambling, telecom fraud, counterfeit goods production, and smuggling—actions necessary to protect the safety and well-being of both nations’ citizens.
Wang also criticized the United States for imposing tariffs on Cambodia and other Southeast Asian nations, describing it as an effort to undermine their legitimate rights to development.
He voiced confidence that Southeast Asian countries possess the capability to face such challenges, uphold their core principles, and protect both their national and collective interests.
During the meeting, Wang was also briefed on the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
He acknowledged that while Cambodia and Thailand may have differing positions, both sides share the desire to manage tensions and avoid escalation. As close neighbors, he added, they are expected to uphold a spirit of mutual respect and goodwill. China, he noted, will take a fair and neutral stance, respond to the needs of both countries, and support peaceful conflict resolution.
In response, Prak Sokhonn thanked China for extending zero-tariff treatment to all Cambodian goods, calling it a true gesture of friendship and brotherhood that provides significant economic support.
He contrasted China’s approach with the U.S. decision to raise tariffs on Cambodian exports by 36 percent, which he viewed as punitive.
Prak Sokhonn added that Cambodia remains open to negotiations with the U.S. to address these issues but will not abandon its core principles or compromise the interests of other nations.
Related Posts
China, Cambodia vow to enhance strategic cooperation
