Chinese ambassador reiterates support for Cambodia

Preah Sihanouk Provincial Television, September 3 — Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin said on his official social media account on September 2 that China was the first and largest provider of aid to Cambodia since the Cambodian–Thai border conflict. He said China was a trusted strategic partner in the past, present and future. The remarks came as Prime Minister Hun Manet led a senior delegation to a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. The report described gains in politics, diplomacy and economic and trade ties and noted that Hun Manet held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. China pledged to deepen cooperation under the Diamond Hexagon framework, including fisheries and rice, industry and technology. It supported the ASEAN-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism under Malaysia’s leadership and called for an ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to be set up quickly. China announced RMB 20 million in humanitarian aid for Cambodia to help repair damage from the conflict and support affected residents. Analysts said the remarks reaffirmed the countries’ strategic description of their friendship as ironclad and would give ties fresh momentum. Compiled by this station.