April 2, 2026
PHNOM PENH – China will not abandon Cambodia in the fields of defence or security, and will continue to play a mediating role in securing a permanent ceasefire and restore normalcy to Cambodia–Thailand relations, according to Chinese ambassador Wang Wenbin.
Speaking March 31 courtesy call with National Assembly (NA) president Khuon Sudary ahead of the upcoming Khmer New Year, Wang stressed that Cambodia remains a close friend of China and that Beijing’s position has not changed.
“Under no circumstances will China abandon Cambodia, We will continue to stand firmly with Cambodia, strengthening its defence sector to ensure long-term peace and stability,” he said.
Wang also announced that China’s foreign and defence ministers are expected to visit Cambodia soon to attend the “2+2” strategic dialogue mechanism, involving both countries’ foreign and defence ministers — a move seen as further strengthening military and diplomatic ties.
Addressing the ongoing Cambodia–Thailand border tensions, Wang acknowledged the dispute remains unresolved, but emphasised China’s role as a “bridge for peace”.
“China will continue to act as a peace facilitator to help achieve a permanent ceasefire and bring Cambodia–Thailand relations back to normal,” he said.
Beyond security, he reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s development, including major strategic projects such as the Funan Techo Canal. Wang noted that Beijing would work closely with Phnom Penh to ensure the project’s success.
He added that several Chinese investment projects are expected to be launched around the Khmer New Year period, helping Cambodia navigate short-term economic challenges while creating new opportunities for both nations.
Wang also welcomed Cambodia’s recent passage of a law on combating online scams, approved unanimously by the NA. He pledged continued Chinese cooperation — both technical and operational — to eliminate cybercrime in Cambodia and boost investor confidence.
Sudary highlighted the long-standing friendship between Cambodia and China, noting that ties have been strengthened by successive generations of leaders.
“Cambodia’s development and progress to date cannot be separated from China’s valuable support,” she said.
She also expressed appreciation for China’s role in seeking peaceful solutions to the border dispute, including its initiative to host a trilateral informal meeting at Fuxian Lake in Yunnan province on December 29, 2025 — a step she described as constructive in promoting dialogue and reducing armed tensions.
Sudary reiterated Cambodia’s firm commitment to peace and to implementing agreements reached under the General Border Committee (GBC) framework and related mechanisms.
She expressed hope that China will continue to play a key role in strengthening global peace, restoring international order and promoting multilateralism — which she described as an important safeguard for smaller and developing nations in protecting sovereignty and advancing development.