Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cambodia on Thursday for a two-day state visit, wrapping up a three-nation Southeast Asian tour that includes stops in Vietnam and Malaysia. The visit aims to strengthen ties between the two countries and address trade uncertainties.
Xi’s trip comes as Cambodia faces high tariff rates proposed by Washington, including a 49% tax on exports to the US once a 90-day pause expires. Trade will likely be a major topic of discussion during Xi’s meetings with Cambodian leaders.
China has been increasing its influence in the region, and Beijing is presenting itself as a source of stability and certainty amid global economic uncertainties. Cambodia’s rapid growth in recent decades has been fueled largely by Beijing’s investments.
During his visit, Xi met with Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen, who is Hun Manet’s father and predecessor as prime minister. China and Cambodia are expected to sign agreements on cooperation in various sectors, including trade and investment.
The visit also comes on the 50th anniversary of the April 17, 1975 takeover of Cambodia by the communist Khmer Rouge, which imposed a reign of terror that claimed an estimated 1.7 million Cambodian lives. Beijing’s role in supporting the Khmer Rouge is rarely discussed by either country.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/17/nx-s1-5367700/chinas-xi-jinping-arrives-in-cambodia-to-wrap-up-3-nation-southeast-asia-tour