Cambodia is hoping for renewed Chinese financial support, particularly for major infrastructure projects, as President Xi Jinping visits Phnom Penh to conclude his Southeast Asia tour.
Cambodia is banking on increased financial backing from China—particularly for major infrastructure projects—during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Phnom Penh on Thursday, the final stop of his Southeast Asia tour, a government spokesperson said.
China is Cambodia’s largest creditor and a close ally, having invested billions in infrastructure such as roads and airports. Meas Soksensan, a spokesperson for Cambodia’s finance ministry, told Reuters that further cooperation on infrastructure is anticipated, including possible support for the ambitious 180-kilometer Funan Techo Canal.
In an article published ahead of his arrival, Xi encouraged Cambodia to resist "hegemonism" and "protectionism," echoing messages delivered earlier in his visits to Vietnam and Malaysia. His remarks come amid ongoing concerns in the region over U.S. "reciprocal" tariffs introduced under President Donald Trump. Cambodia, a major exporter of garments and footwear to the U.S., was hit with one of the highest tariff rates at 49%, although most of those duties are currently paused until July.
Although Xi’s article cited the benefits of previous Chinese-funded infrastructure projects in Cambodia, it did not confirm any new investments. The Cambodian government has claimed China would fund the Funan Techo Canal, which is intended to connect the Mekong River near Phnom Penh to the Gulf of Thailand, bypassing Vietnamese ports and drawing water from the Mekong Delta. However, Beijing has yet to make a public financial commitment. Official estimates put the canal’s cost at $1.7 billion—nearly 4% of Cambodia’s annual GDP—and Phnom Penh’s statements on Chinese involvement have shifted from full funding to covering 49% of costs.
Xi’s Southeast Asia visit, interpreted by some as a diplomatic charm offensive in the face of U.S. trade measures, began in Vietnam, where the canal project has been met with skepticism. Unlike previous years, China did not issue any new loans to Cambodia in 2023, a reflection of Beijing’s scaled-back global investments amid domestic economic concerns and underperforming overseas projects.
Despite recent tensions linked to Chinese-run scam operations in Cambodia, both nations continue to refer to their relationship as "ironclad." Ahead of Xi’s visit, Cambodia deported several Chinese nationals, including individuals from Taiwan—a move that drew criticism from Taipei. Xi used the visit to call for a crackdown on online fraud targeting Chinese citizens.
As Xi’s motorcade traveled through Phnom Penh, he was welcomed by crowds waving Chinese flags. However, a Western diplomat based in Cambodia described the visit as largely symbolic: “Lots of flags, lots of MoUs, and lots of bromance—probably not a lot of substance.”
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
More than 500 people were arrested and two fatalities reported following chaotic celebrations across France after Paris Saint-Germain's historic Champions League victory, according to the interior ministry.
A celebration of Turkish cuisine and friendship took place in Karachi on Sunday as the Turkish Consulate hosted a World Breakfast Day event, sharing traditional flavours with a distinguished Pakistani audience.
Wildfires in western and central Canada have triggered the evacuation of more than 26,000 people, with provinces including Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta facing major threats.
Indonesian rescuers are continuing their efforts to locate eight people still missing after a quarry collapse in West Java left at least 17 dead and six injured, with authorities warning of ongoing landslide risks.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
A celebration of Turkish cuisine and friendship took place in Karachi on Sunday as the Turkish Consulate hosted a World Breakfast Day event, sharing traditional flavours with a distinguished Pakistani audience.
More than 500 people were arrested and two fatalities reported following chaotic celebrations across France after Paris Saint-Germain's historic Champions League victory, according to the interior ministry.
Wildfires in western and central Canada have triggered the evacuation of more than 26,000 people, with provinces including Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta facing major threats.
Indonesian rescuers are continuing their efforts to locate eight people still missing after a quarry collapse in West Java left at least 17 dead and six injured, with authorities warning of ongoing landslide risks.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
More than 500 people were arrested and two fatalities reported following chaotic celebrations across France after Paris Saint-Germain's historic Champions League victory, according to the interior ministry.
Wildfires in western and central Canada have triggered the evacuation of more than 26,000 people, with provinces including Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta facing major threats.
China has issued a formal protest against the United States over recent remarks by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing Washington of “vilifying” Beijing and promoting confrontation in the Indo-Pacific.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 1st, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
A celebration of Turkish cuisine and friendship took place in Karachi on Sunday as the Turkish Consulate hosted a World Breakfast Day event, sharing traditional flavours with a distinguished Pakistani audience.
More than 500 people were arrested and two fatalities reported following chaotic celebrations across France after Paris Saint-Germain's historic Champions League victory, according to the interior ministry.
Wildfires in western and central Canada have triggered the evacuation of more than 26,000 people, with provinces including Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta facing major threats.
Indonesian rescuers are continuing their efforts to locate eight people still missing after a quarry collapse in West Java left at least 17 dead and six injured, with authorities warning of ongoing landslide risks.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment