Xi Jinping wraps up Southeast Asia Tour with strategic visit to Cambodia
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cambodia on April 17, 2025, concluding his three-nation Southeast Asia tour, which included visits to Vietnam and Malaysia.
In Phnom Penh, Xi was welcomed by King Norodom Sihamoni and held meetings with Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen. The leaders signed 37 agreements covering various sectors, including investment, trade, education, health, and tourism.
Xi emphasized China’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s strategic autonomy and development, describing Cambodia as a top priority in China’s neighborhood diplomacy.
The visit also addressed concerns over increased Chinese influence, particularly at the expanded Ream Naval Base, though Cambodia denies granting China exclusive military access.
Xi’s tour highlights China’s efforts to strengthen regional ties amid escalating trade tensions with the United States, positioning itself as a reliable partner in Southeast Asia.
Xi Jinping’s Message in Cambodia
President Xi reiterated China’s support for Cambodia’s sovereignty, peace, and development during the visit. He praised the long-standing friendship between the two nations. He reaffirmed that Cambodia remains a “key partner” in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global infrastructure and development strategy.
“We will continue to stand together through thick and thin and make our cooperation an example for the region,” Xi said during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Strategic and Economic Agreements
The 37 agreements signed spanned a wide array of sectors:
- Infrastructure: Plans for new road, port, and railway developments under the BRI.
- Energy: Deals on renewable energy cooperation, including hydropower and solar investments.
- Trade: Expansion of agricultural exports from Cambodia to China.
- Education and Health: New scholarships and healthcare support programs.
These agreements are expected to boost Cambodia’s economic growth, particularly as it recovers from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent global trade instability.
Military and Geopolitical Underpinning
Xi’s visit also drew international attention due to rising concerns over China’s potential military footprint in Cambodia, particularly at the Ream Naval Base, where China has helped fund large-scale upgrades. While both governments deny any exclusive military arrangement, analysts believe the base could play a role in projecting Chinese naval power in the Gulf of Thailand and the broader South China Sea.
Washington has repeatedly expressed concern over these developments, viewing them as part of Beijing’s broader strategy to expand its military presence in Southeast Asia.
Final Leg of a Broader Tour
Xi’s stops in Vietnam and Malaysia earlier in the week featured similar themes: boosting economic ties, promoting regional security (on China’s terms), and resisting what Chinese officials have described as “Western containment.” His Southeast Asia tour appears aimed at countering the influence of the United States in the region, especially amid renewed tensions over trade and maritime issues.
Photo: AP/Agence Kampuchea Press
