Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cambodia on Thursday, while the Chinese chief strengthens the regional allies in the midst of a commercial threat from the administration of US President Donald Trump.
What is on the agenda of XI’s visit?
XI was greeted by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni when he arrived in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh.
The presence of XI met fanfare after leaving the plane in aerial China, people waving Cambodian and Chinese flags and holding photos of portraits of the two leaders.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet should hold talks with Xi later in the day. The two countries celebrate 67 years of diplomatic ties.
Cambodia is a key ally for China in Southeast Asia. The two countries have close political links, China investing billions of dollars in Cambodia infrastructures such as roads and airports.
In an article published by the Cambodian media, XI urged Cambodia to reject “hegemonism” and “protectionism”.
A major problem between the two countries is the chinese -related scam centers in Cambodia.
On Thursday, China congratulated Cambodia for having expected several Taiwanese citizens involved in the fraud centers in China.
The spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, said that Beijing “greatly appreciates” the way of Cambodia to deal with the question, because it adheres to the “single principle”. China considers Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan considers himself distinct from continental China.
China, Cambodia faces massive tensions with Trump
China and Cambodia are facing massive trade tensions with the United States.
Trump imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese products, while Beijing put 125% on American products in retaliation. The prices have put a massive commercial barrier between the two largest economies in the world, Trump urging China to conclude an agreement.
The President had also implemented a rate of 49% on Cambodian products, before suspending this policy for 90 days and imposing a price of 10% “basic” on the country’s products in the meantime.
Earlier in the week, XI also visited Malaysia and Vietnam while China seeks to deepen its influence in the Southeast Asian region.
Published by: ZAC Crellin
