Cambodia, China Agree to Strengthen Legal Cooperation

PHNOM PENH, Sept 18, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and China have agreed to deepen cooperation in legal and judicial affairs during a meeting between senior officials in Phnom Penh, the Ministry of Justice said. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Koeut Rith met Li Yaoguang, a member of the Standing Committee and secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of Jiangsu Province’s Communist Party, at the ministry headquarters on Sept 17. Koeut Rith welcomed Li and his delegation, highlighting the long‑standing relationship between the two countries. He said bilateral ties had evolved from traditional friendship into what Phnom Penh describes as an “ironclad friendship,” expanding under the “Diamond Cooperation” framework and efforts to build a Cambodia‑China community with a shared future. The minister praised cooperation between Cambodia’s justice institutions and Chinese counterparts, citing partnerships with Chongqing and Nanning, though without detailing specific projects. The meeting focused on expanding collaboration in legal and judicial matters. Both sides expressed support for closer cooperation and exchanged views on ways to strengthen bilateral relations. The talks come as Cambodia and China continue to broaden cooperation across trade, infrastructure, investment, security and people‑to‑people exchanges. Legal and judicial cooperation is increasingly seen as part of the wider framework underpinning the two countries’ partnership.