Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to embark on a state visit to Cambodia from August 12-13 as part of his mission to three ASEAN countries, including Singapore and Malaysia. This visit aligns with China’s commitment to collaborate with Southeast Asian nations on global development, security, and civilizational initiatives.
10th Anniversary of Building a Community of Common Destiny
This year marks the tenth anniversary of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s imaginative and prescient of making a network of not unusual place destiny. The Southeast Asian region, particularly Cambodia, Singapore, and Malaysia, has been instrumental in advancing this vision. The Chinese foreign ministry emphasizes that these nations are crucial partners in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation.
Enhancing Strategic Partnerships
China’s relations with these countries have experienced growth and momentum. China-Singapore relations are characterized by a future-oriented partnership, while China and Malaysia are working together to establish a community of common destiny. China and Cambodia are also striving to build a high-quality, high-level, and high-standard China-Cambodia community of common destiny.
Objectives of the Visit
China envisions this visit to enhance strategic communication with these three nations. The foreign minister aims to translate the new characterization of China-Singapore relations into practical action, make substantial progress in building communities of common destiny with Malaysia and Cambodia, deepen BRI cooperation, and elevate bilateral relations.
Meeting with Cambodian Leaders
During the visit to Cambodia, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will receive a royal audience with King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace. He will also hold separate courtesy meetings with Prime Minister Hun Sen and Prime Minister-in-waiting Hun Manet. Discussions will encompass various aspects of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
This visit coincides with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia. It aims to further consolidate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation between the two countries. The goal is to reinforce the concept of a high-level community with a shared future, enhance the Diamond Cooperation Framework, and promote collaboration across regional and international platforms.
Regional Significance and Support for Cambodia’s Government
The visit underscores China’s emphasis on ASEAN and signals an anticipated improvement in Sino-ASEAN relations for 2023. Furthermore, the visit highlights China’s continuous support for Cambodia’s government, even amidst changes in leadership. China’s unwavering backing of the Kingdom underscores the expansion of ties and cooperation.
In conclusion, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s state visit to Cambodia holds the potential to strengthen ties, foster regional cooperation, and contribute to the broader vision of building a community of common destiny in Southeast Asia.
