China’s Xi Concludes Regional Tour with Cambodia State Visit/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cambodia to conclude a three-country Southeast Asia tour aimed at reinforcing China’s regional influence. The visit includes key meetings with Cambodian leaders and new economic agreements. It comes as Southeast Asia faces pressure from U.S. trade policies under President Trump.
Xi Jinping’s Cambodia Visit – Quick Looks
- Xi Jinping visits Cambodia to conclude his Southeast Asia diplomatic tour.
- Previous stops included Vietnam and Malaysia.
- Xi’s visit aims to solidify China’s economic and strategic presence in the region.
- Cambodia faces potential steep U.S. tariffs amid Trump’s trade policy overhaul.
- Meetings include Cambodian PM Hun Manet, King Sihamoni, and Senate President Hun Sen.
- China is Cambodia’s top trade partner and investor.
- Several bilateral agreements expected to be signed in Phnom Penh.
- China continues to support Cambodia’s infrastructure and military development.
- Visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge takeover.
- Concerns persist about potential Chinese naval presence at Ream Naval Base.
Xi Jinping Visits Cambodia to Solidify Strategic and Economic Ties Amid Rising U.S. Tariff Pressures
DEEP LOOKS
Phnom Penh, Cambodia (AP) – Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Phnom Penh on Thursday for a two-day state visit to Cambodia, marking the final stop in a three-nation Southeast Asia tour aimed at strengthening Beijing’s foothold in the region amid growing geopolitical and economic pressure from the United States.
The visit is Xi’s first to Cambodia since 2016, and follows earlier stops in Vietnam and Malaysia. As Southeast Asia adapts to shifting global trade dynamics and prepares for the expiration of a 90-day pause on proposed U.S. tariffs, Xi is positioning China as the region’s most consistent and reliable partner.
“Cambodia is a priority in China’s neighborhood diplomacy,” Xi said upon his arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport. “China will unswervingly support Cambodia in upholding strategic autonomy and pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions.”
Formal Welcome and High-Level Meetings
Xi was greeted by King Norodom Sihamoni and is scheduled to hold meetings with Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen, the current PM’s father and Cambodia’s longtime former leader. The visit is expected to result in multiple bilateral agreements related to infrastructure, trade, and regional development.
Cambodian officials have hailed Xi’s arrival as a milestone in China-Cambodia relations. Prime Minister Hun Manet recently called Beijing “an indispensable friend” that has supported the country’s rapid development over the past decade.
Cambodia Faces U.S. Tariff Threats
The visit comes as Cambodia remains among the countries most at risk from President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs. In addition to a universal 10% duty, Cambodia faces the possibility of a 49% tariff on exports to the U.S. once the temporary suspension expires.
The high-stakes visit may help Beijing position itself as a buffer against Western economic pressure, particularly as China and Cambodia continue to call for resistance to unilateralism and protectionism.
Growing Trade and Investment Partnership
China has rapidly become Cambodia’s top trade partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $15 billion in 2024, accounting for nearly 30% of Cambodia’s total trade volume—albeit heavily in China’s favor.
China’s investments have fueled massive infrastructure projects in Cambodia, including:
- Angkor Siem Reap Airport, a major tourist hub.
- The Phnom Penh ring road, named in honor of Xi Jinping.
- An expansion of the Ream Naval Base on the southern coast, raising international scrutiny.
“China is a first-class partner country,” Hun Manet said earlier this month during a ceremony inaugurating a Chinese-funded road project.
Naval Base Concerns and Regional Security
The expansion of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, heavily funded by Beijing, has sparked fears in Washington and neighboring nations that China may be planning to use the base for strategic military purposes in the Gulf of Thailand.
While Cambodia has denied granting China exclusive military access, it maintains that all foreign navies are welcome under strict compliance conditions. In a notable development, Japan announced that two of its minesweepers will dock at the facility this weekend—the first foreign naval visit since the expansion was completed.
Symbolic Timing: Khmer Rouge Anniversary
Xi’s trip also falls on a somber anniversary—April 17 marks 50 years since the Khmer Rouge takeover of Cambodia in 1975. The Maoist regime, inspired in part by China’s Cultural Revolution, led to the deaths of nearly 1.7 million Cambodians. While China was the main foreign backer of the Khmer Rouge during and after their rule, this sensitive history remains largely unacknowledged by both nations during official engagements.
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