China-Cambodia Party Ties Deepen, Exploring Xi Jinping Thought's Application in Cambodia

The Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the Communist Party of China (CPC) are aiming to deepen their political and governance exchanges and further strengthen their cooperative relationship, coinciding with the anniversaries of both parties' founding. Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, Wang Wentian, congratulated the CPC on its 105th anniversary and the CPP on its 75th, stating it is an opportunity to further solidify the "iron friendship" between the two parties. Ambassador Wang highlighted the key factors behind the success of the CPC, which boasts over 100 million members and significant global influence. These include principles advocated by General Secretary Xi Jinping, such as "seeking truth from facts," "deep roots among the people," "adapting to the trend of the times," and "self-revolution." He noted that these principles have played a central role in China's achievement of economic development and social stability. Specifically, Ambassador Wang emphasized the following three points, suggesting their potential applicability in Cambodia: 1. Upholding the commitment to serve the people: The CPC has consistently pursued the happiness of the people through policies like poverty eradication. The CPP, citing former Prime Minister Hun Sen's adage that "officials are not masters but servants of the people," shares this people-centric approach. 2. Aligning with the trend of the times: The CPC has integrated the basic principles of Marxism with China's specific realities and traditional culture, achieving development in line with the times. This resonates with the importance of Cambodia forging its own development path suited to its national conditions. 3. Promoting self-revolution: Self-criticism and rectifying internal issues are crucial characteristics of the CPC, leading to high levels of public support. The CPP also prioritizes anti-corruption efforts, indicating common ground. Ambassador Wang praised the CPP for achieving national reconciliation and rapid economic development under the leadership of former Prime Minister Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, setting Cambodia on a path to graduate from least developed country status. He stated that both parties, based on mutual respect, have become trusted friends by pursuing development paths suited to their respective national conditions. Recent outcomes from former Prime Minister Hun Sen's visit to China included agreements to strengthen inter-party exchanges, enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and combat telecommunication fraud. China aims to use this visit as an opportunity to further consolidate the "iron friendship" and inject new vitality into the construction of a new era China-Cambodia community with a shared future. Source: CPP Cambodia