Xi pledges security partnership with Cambodia
China’s Xi Jinping tells Hun Sen that Beijing is ready to deepen security cooperation with Cambodia as regional uncertainty grows
- China has always regarded Cambodia as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and Beijing firmly supports Cambodia in safeguarding national sovereignty and security, Xi said.
- He called on the two sides to raise the foundation of strategic mutual trust "to a new height".
- Xi also praised Cambodia's efforts in cracking down on telecoms and online fraud, and pledged to work with Cambodia to eradicate what he called the "tumour" of such fraud.
- Hun Sen is in China from June 25-27 for an official "goodwill" visit, Beijing said previously.
- China and Cambodia held the first meeting under a "2+2" Strategic Dialogue Mechanism in April, bringing together their foreign and defence ministers to discuss political and security ties.
China is prepared to establish a security partnership with Cambodia, President Xi Jinping told Hun Sen during talks in Beijing, signalling Beijing’s intention to deepen cooperation with one of its closest partners in Southeast Asia.
Xi made the pledge on Friday as he met Hun Sen, president of Cambodia’s Senate, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua.
The Chinese leader said the international and regional situation was undergoing “complex and profound changes”, adding that China and Cambodia should work together to bring greater stability to regional peace and development.
The remarks underline the close political and strategic relationship between Beijing and Phnom Penh, which have strengthened cooperation across diplomacy, infrastructure, investment and security in recent years.
Xi said China was willing to work with Cambodia to build a security partnership as the two countries continue to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Hun Sen, Cambodia’s long-time former prime minister and one of the country’s most influential political figures, was in Beijing in his current role as president of the Senate.
The meeting highlighted the importance Beijing places on Cambodia as a regional partner at a time when major-power competition, security concerns and shifting alliances continue to shape Southeast Asia’s strategic environment.
For Cambodia, closer ties with China have long been central to its foreign policy and development strategy. Beijing remains a key source of investment, infrastructure financing and diplomatic support for Phnom Penh.
The latest pledge also adds a security dimension to an already broad relationship, though Xinhua’s report did not provide detailed measures or a timeline for the proposed partnership.
Xi’s comments suggest that China wants to frame its cooperation with Cambodia not only as a bilateral issue, but also as part of a wider effort to support regional stability and development.
The announcement comes as Southeast Asia continues to navigate competing strategic pressures, with countries in the region seeking to balance economic cooperation, security interests and relations with major powers.
