Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) meeting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Phnom Penh on April 17, 2025. - AKP
PHNOM PENH: During his April 17-18 state visit to Cambodia, Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the kingdom’s efforts to crack down on illegal online gambling and scam operations.
Xi also committed to strengthening coordination and law enforcement cooperation to combat cross-border crimes, including illegal cross-border gambling, drug smuggling, human trafficking and scams, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The Cambodian government has repeatedly vowed to suppress online crimes, such as illegal gambling, scams and human trafficking, with Prime Minister Hun Manet personally leading a committee established to address these issues.
Regarding defence and security cooperation, China and Cambodia agreed to enhance mechanisms for collaboration between their armed forces, maintain frequent exchanges and visits at all levels, and increase cooperative activities, including training and joint exercises.
The joint drills will include emergency rescue, disaster relief and improvements in medical services and logistics.
On April 5, Prime Minister Hun Manet inaugurated the Cambodia-China Joint Logistics and Training Center and a modernised pier at Ream naval Base, which was supported by Chinese aid. The logistics and training centre will be used for Cambodia-China joint exercises as early as this year.
“Cambodia highly values China’s support, human resource training and provision of mine-clearance equipment to help Cambodia achieve its goal of being free from the impacts of mines and explosive remnants of war,” added the foreign ministry statement.
During their discussions, both sides also acknowledged the global threats posed by climate change and committed to strengthening environmental protection and promoting collaboration in clean energy, including hydropower, solar energy and wind energy. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
