China Backs Cambodia Border Peace in SCO Summit Talks

In a significant diplomatic exchange at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Summit in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation and reinforce regional stability.

The meeting, held on 30 August, marked Hun Manet’s first official visit to China since assuming office. Addressing the summit’s theme—“Implementing Multilateralism, Ensuring Regional Security and Promoting Sustainable Development”—the Cambodian leader underscored his country’s commitment to peaceful development and regional dialogue.

President Xi reaffirmed China’s support for Cambodia’s sovereignty and self-reliant growth, promising expanded collaboration through the “Diamond Hexagon” framework, which includes infrastructure, trade, and agricultural development. He also backed Cambodia’s efforts to combat cross-border crimes such as online gambling and telecom fraud, signalling a shared interest in law enforcement cooperation.

Crucially, Beijing endorsed the recent ceasefire between Cambodian and Thai troops, voicing support for ASEAN’s monitoring mechanism led by Malaysia. Xi called for the swift deployment of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), a move seen as bolstering regional diplomacy amid simmering border tensions.

Hun Manet, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol and a high-level delegation, expressed gratitude for China’s longstanding support. He reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to the one-China policy and endorsed China’s Global Development, Security, and Civilization Initiatives.

While no formal agreements were signed, the meeting signalled a renewed strategic alignment between Phnom Penh and Beijing. As the SCO summit continues, observers are watching closely for further signs of China’s expanding influence in Southeast Asia—and Cambodia’s evolving role within it.

-2025-08-31