15-9-2023 (BEIJING) Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who succeeded his father Hun Sen in August, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, aiming to reinforce the close relationship established by his predecessor with Beijing.
Hun Sen’s nearly four-decade-long rule in Cambodia saw the nation become one of China’s staunchest allies in Southeast Asia, receiving substantial Chinese investments.
During their meeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, President Xi lauded Hun Sen’s “historic contributions to the cause of Sino-Cambodian friendship.” Xi encouraged Hun Manet to make frequent visits to China, highlighting the importance of their continued partnership, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV.
Xi expressed his belief that Hun Manet’s visit would further deepen and enhance the practical aspects of the relationship between the two nations.
Hun Manet’s trip to China is one of his early diplomatic forays since assuming the role of prime minister. He is also scheduled to engage in discussions with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, the head of the Standing Committee of China’s top legislative body, according to his spokesperson Meas Sophorn at Phnom Penh International Airport.
Following these meetings, Hun Manet will travel to the southern Chinese city of Nanning to participate in the 20th ASEAN-China Expo.
Notably, China’s defence ministry recently announced joint military exercises with Cambodia, primarily focused on enhancing medical cooperation, scheduled for this month.
Despite officially transferring the prime minister’s office to his son, Hun Sen has made it clear that he intends to retain influence even after stepping down. This dispels any notion that Cambodia might shift its direction under his son’s leadership.
