China and Cambodia Vow to Deepen “Ironclad Friendship” Through Tech and Trade Corridors
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SHANGHAI, CHINA — In a move to strengthen regional alliances, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet in Shanghai on Friday afternoon. The high-level meeting took place on the sidelines of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), which concluded its sessions running from July 15 to 17.
During the discussion, President Xi warmly praised the enduring strength of the bilateral relationship. He explicitly referred to the partnership as an “ironclad friendship.” Furthermore, he emphasized that China remains fully committed to supporting Cambodia’s long-term socio-economic development.
Accelerating the Diamond Hexagon Framework
A core focus of the meeting centered on accelerating key economic corridors under the Diamond Cooperation Framework (also known as the Diamond Hexagon framework). President Xi called for faster implementation of two flagship initiatives:
- The Industrial Development Corridor: This initiative aims to modernize Cambodia’s manufacturing sectors by driving technology transfer and building up specialized production capacities.
- The Fish and Rice Corridor: This project focuses directly on expanding agricultural trade, optimizing modern farming logistics, and increasing direct food exports to Chinese markets.
Consequently, both leaders agreed that upgrading these sectors will ensure sustained economic growth and deliver tangible benefits to both populations.
Upholding Geopolitical Alignment and Security
In response, Prime Minister Hun Manet congratulated the Chinese government on successfully hosting the 2026 WAIC. He expressed deep gratitude for China’s continued infrastructure investments, which have vastly improved the livelihoods of the Cambodian people.
Additionally, Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s steadfast adherence to the One-China Policy. He stated that Cambodia considers all matters relating to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xizang (Tibet), and Xinjiang strictly as China’s internal affairs.
Joint Security Measures: Beyond economic infrastructure, the two leaders exchanged views on defense and public security. They committed to utilizing strategic mechanisms to actively crack down on cross-border crimes, online gambling, and telecom fraud.
Peaceful Dialogue for Regional Stability
Before concluding the bilateral session, Prime Minister Hun Manet briefed President Xi on the current situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border. He reiterated Cambodia’s firm stance on resolving all border demarcation issues peacefully by relying on international law and existing bilateral treaties.
President Xi welcomed this diplomatic approach, noting that maintaining a stable border environment serves the fundamental interests of both nations. He added that China supports Cambodia and Thailand in finding mutually acceptable solutions through constructive dialogue.
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