China-Cambodia Relations to Remain Strong in the Next Five Years, Despite Challenges

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 15, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

By Sovanna

China and Cambodia have enjoyed close relations for many years, and their relationship is expected to remain strong in the next five years. China is Cambodia's largest trading partner and source of foreign direct investment, and the two countries have close cooperation on security and other issues.

In 2023, China and Cambodia signed a new Action Plan on Building a China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future in the New Era (2024-2028). This plan outlines a number of areas for cooperation, including trade and investment, infrastructure development, agriculture, energy, security, and people-to-people exchanges.

Some of the specific areas where China-Cambodia cooperation is likely to grow in the next five years include:

• Trade and investment: China is likely to remain Cambodia's largest trading partner and source of foreign direct investment. Chinese companies are already involved in a wide range of projects in Cambodia, including infrastructure development, manufacturing, and tourism. This investment is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
• Infrastructure development: China is helping Cambodia to develop its infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and airports. This infrastructure development is essential for Cambodia's economic growth.
• Agriculture: China is helping Cambodia to develop its agricultural sector. This includes providing assistance with agricultural research, irrigation, and marketing.
• Energy: China is helping Cambodia to develop its energy sector, including renewable energy sources such as solar and hydropower.
• Security: China and Cambodia have close cooperation on security issues. This cooperation is expected to continue in the coming years, as the two countries face common security challenges such as terrorism and transnational crime.

Overall, the China-Cambodia relationship is expected to remain strong in the next five years. The two countries have close cooperation on a wide range of issues, and their economic ties are deep. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is also likely to play a major role in driving China-Cambodia cooperation in the coming years.

However, there are some potential challenges to the China-Cambodia relationship in the coming years. These include:

• Concerns about China's growing influence: Some countries in the region are concerned about China's growing influence in Cambodia. These countries worry that Cambodia may be becoming too dependent on China, and that China could use its influence to undermine regional security and stability.
• Human rights concerns: Some international observers have expressed concerns about the human rights situation in Cambodia. These observers worry that China is providing support to the Cambodian government to suppress its critics.
• Debt concerns: Cambodia has a relatively high level of debt to China. Some economists worry that Cambodia's debt could become unsustainable, and that this could lead to economic problems in the future.

Overall, the China-Cambodia relationship is likely to remain strong in the next five years. However, there are some potential challenges that could arise. It will be important for the two countries to manage these challenges carefully in order to maintain their close relationship.