China-Cambodia Ties Strengthen, Pledge Deeper Cooperation Under New Frameworks

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 24, 2026 (KPT) — China’s ambassador to Cambodia has described the two countries as “true friends” and “good partners,” saying their longstanding relationship has grown stronger over time and pledging deeper cooperation under new frameworks. “China and Cambodia are true friends sharing weal and woe and good partners with mutual trust,” Ambassador Wang Wenbin said. “Our ironclad friendship has only grown stronger over time.” He said China firmly supported Cambodia’s right to pursue its own development path and would remain a trusted partner. “Cambodia possesses immense development potential and broad prospects,” Wang added. The ambassador said Beijing was ready to work with Phnom Penh to implement agreements reached by the leaders of both countries and further develop the “Diamond Hexagon” cooperation framework. He highlighted plans to advance the “Fish and Rice Corridor” and the “Industrial Corridor,” aiming to build ties as a model of a community with a shared future for mankind. China has become Cambodia’s largest trading partner and a major source of investment and development assistance. In July, Prime Minister Hun Manet met President Xi Jinping in Shanghai, where Xi reaffirmed the “ironclad friendship” and called for closer cooperation on the Diamond framework and economic corridors. The Diamond Hexagon covers political cooperation, industrial development, agriculture, energy, security and people‑to‑people exchanges, linking closely with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Cambodia’s national development strategy. Relations have also expanded into security and diplomacy. In April, the two countries held their first “2+2” strategic dialogue involving foreign and defence ministers, with discussions spanning economic cooperation, defence, law enforcement and regional affairs.