China is willing to be Cambodia’s trustworthy friend and partner in the face of a volatile and turbulent international situation, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Prak Sokhonn, Cambodia’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, on the sidelines of the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Wang expressed hope that the two sides would adopt more robust and effective measures to resolutely combat cross-border crimes such as online gambling, telecom fraud, counterfeit production and smuggling, thoroughly eradicating such threats to safeguard the safety of the people of both countries.
He emphasized that the U.S. imposition of tariffs on Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries is an attempt to deprive them of their legitimate development rights.
Wang expressed confidence that Southeast Asian countries have the capability to navigate the complex situation, uphold their principled stance, and safeguard their respective interests as well as common interests.
The Chinese foreign minister was also briefed on the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
Wang noted that although the positions of Cambodia and Thailand may differ, both sides share the willingness to manage the situation and de-escalate tensions. He said that as inseparable neighbors, Cambodia and Thailand will be sure to uphold the spirit of harmony and goodwill to properly resolve this issue. China will maintain an impartial and fair stance, respond to the needs of the parties involved, and play a constructive role in this regard, he added.
Prak Sokhonn expressed appreciation of China for granting Cambodia zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, calling it a gesture of true friendship and brotherhood that provides immense assistance to his country.
This stands in stark contrast to the U.S. imposition of a 36 percent tariff hike on Cambodian goods, he said.
Noting that Cambodia is willing to negotiate with the U.S. to resolve differences, he said Cambodia will not abandon its principles and interests, or compromise the interests of third parties.
