BEIJING: China sees Cambodia as a key participant in the next phase of China–Asean cooperation, with trade, investment and infrastructure among the areas expected to drive the partnership, a Chinese foreign ministry official told visiting South-East Asian journalists on Monday (Sept 28).
Wang Dexin, an official from the ministry’s Department of Asian Affairs who has previously worked in Cambodia, noted that the kingdom was both an active participant in regional cooperation and a beneficiary of closer economic ties.
“As an ironclad friend of China and an important Asean member, Cambodia plays a very important role in the China–Asean comprehensive strategic partnership,” he said in response to a Cambodian journalist’s question in Beijing.
Wang pointed to the China–Cambodia “Diamond Hexagon” cooperation framework and ongoing work on the Industrial Development Corridor and the Fish and Rice Corridor.
He also cited the Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway, the Techo Morodok National Stadium and Siem Reap Angkor International Airport as examples of projects brought into operation during a period of expanding bilateral cooperation.
China would continue to support Cambodia’s development and efforts to improve livelihoods, he said.
Looking ahead, he called for stronger bilateral cooperation that would also contribute to closer China–Asean relations.
He did not announce specific new Cambodia projects, funding or completion dates during the exchange.
In his opening remarks, Wang Xiaolong, a counsellor in the Department of Asian Affairs, outlined four broad priorities for China–Asean cooperation over the next five years: deeper trade and investment integration; stronger energy, food and supply chain security; cooperation in digital technology, artificial intelligence and green development; and closer exchanges in education, tourism and other fields.
“We need to ensure that the fruits of China–Asean cooperation bring tangible benefits to the people of all countries,” he said.
Wang Xiaolong said the two sides should make full use of the upgraded China–Asean Free Trade Area and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement to boost trade and investment and strengthen links between industries.
When asked by a Thai journalist how China could offer practical AI cooperation beyond selling technology, he cited cooperation platforms intended to support policy exchanges, business links, practical applications, standards and training.
He said seven Asean countries had joined a new international AI cooperation organisation launched in Shanghai in July.
On the political challenges facing the partnership, Wang Xiaolong added, in his personal assessment, that interference by powers outside the region was its greatest obstacle.
He urged China and Asean to maintain dialogue and strategic independence.
The briefing brought together 21 journalists from nine Asean countries who visited Guangxi and Fujian provinces and attended events including the China–Asean Expo before travelling to Beijing. - The Phnom Penh Post./ANN
