Li Keqiang on Cambodia
TL;DR
Li Keqiang strongly supports the China-Cambodia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership through significant aid and infrastructure investment.
Key Points
He stressed the need to enhance high-level exchanges and support each other on core interests during his November 2022 talks with the Cambodian Prime Minister.
In February 2020, he expressed willingness to enrich the connotation of China-Cambodia comprehensive strategic cooperation while meeting the Cambodian Prime Minister.
He announced new aid, including 200 million yuan to improve quality of life, during his November 2022 state visit to attend East Asian cooperation meetings.
Summary
Li Keqiang consistently maintained a strong, positive position toward Cambodia, framing the relationship as a profound, millennium-old friendship and a model for East Asian cooperation. During his November 2022 visit, he stressed the need to build on strong political mutual trust through tangible results, such as major infrastructure projects and increased trade, while also reiterating China's commitment to Cambodia’s sovereignty and supporting its development path suited to its national conditions. He emphasized that China fully supports Cambodia's role as ASEAN chair and its centrality in the regional architecture, assuring its friends in ASEAN that there is no pressure from China to take sides, only encouragement for solidarity.
This supportive stance is underscored by consistent, high-level engagement and concrete commitments, including announcing new development assistance packages and overseeing the signing of numerous bilateral cooperation documents. Key historical markers mentioned by Li include President Xi Jinping's 2016 visit and the awarding of the Friendship Medal to the Queen Mother in 2020, both cited as marking new chapters in the bilateral friendship. Furthermore, he highlighted joint achievements, such as bilateral trade exceeding $10 billion ahead of schedule, partly due to the China-Cambodia Free Trade Agreement, and major projects like the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, reinforcing the vision of a China-Cambodia community with a shared future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Li Keqiang viewed Cambodia as a close neighbor and an "ironclad friend," consistently advocating for a stronger comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. He expressed a deeply positive sentiment, emphasizing mutual support and deepening practical cooperation across various sectors.
The Premier stressed cooperation through major infrastructure projects, such as those under the Belt and Road Initiative, increased agricultural trade, and increased educational exchanges. He also pledged assistance with de-mining and cultural heritage restoration projects.
Yes, he explicitly stated China fully supports Cambodia's role in chairing ASEAN and supports the ASEAN-led regional cooperation architecture. Li Keqiang assured that China encourages solidarity rather than forcing regional partners to choose sides.
Sources7
Li Keqiang Holds Talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen_Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Li Keqiang Meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen
Li Keqiang Meets with Prime Minister Hun Sen of Cambodia
Premier Li Keqiang Arrives in Phnom Penh to Attend Leaders' Meetings on East Asia Cooperation and Pay Official Visit to Cambodia_Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Chinese premier announces new aid for close ally Cambodia | AP News
Chinese premier calls for stronger China-Cambodia friendship, closer East Asian cooperation-Xinhua
Chinese premier announces new aid for close ally Cambodia - CNA
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.