China’s embassy in Phnom Penh held a large-scale reception at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra on September 21, marking 77 years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Chinese ambassador Wang Wenbin used the occasion to stress the durability of relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Wang described China and Cambodia as partners who stand by each other in both difficult and prosperous times, built on a high degree of trust. He called the bond an “ironclad friendship” that has only deepened with time.

“China firmly supports Cambodia in choosing its own development path and will remain one of Cambodia’s most trusted partners in its development process,” he said.

Wang added that Beijing is prepared to work with Phnom Penh in carrying forward agreements reached by their leaders and expanding cooperation in key areas such as the “Fish and Rice Corridor” and the “Industrial Corridor”. Both nations, he said, will keep shaping their ties as a model of a community with a shared future for humanity.

National Assembly president Khuon Sudary, Chinese ambassador Wang Wenbin and Senator Tea Banh attend the celebrations. Thenh Rithy

Minister Sokhonn pointed out that 2026 will mark seven decades since the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk first travelled to China, a moment he called a historic turning point that opened a fresh era in Cambodia-China relations.

He credited generations of leaders with cultivating the relationship into an “ironclad friendship” and a comprehensive strategic partnership grounded in mutual respect, trust and backing for each other’s core interests and sovereignty.

Sokhonn also expressed gratitude for China’s ongoing support for Cambodian development, especially in infrastructure, energy, transport and water-resource management.

On the economic front, he noted that bilateral trade climbed from more than $15 billion in 2024 to over $19 billion in 2025, while Chinese investment in Cambodia continued to expand.

He voiced confidence that the two countries would further strengthen their “all-weather” community with a shared future and help promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.