AKP Phnom Penh, September 18, 2025 -- Officials and scholars from Cambodia and China have been convened for the Second Symposium of the Diamond Hexagon from Yunnan and Cambodian Think Tanks to discuss the critical role of Chinese-backed initiatives in Cambodia's socioeconomic and trade development. 

The forum, attended by a wide range of academics, government representatives, and media, highlighted the strengthening of bilateral ties under the "Diamond Hexagon" cooperation framework.

Guest speakers and participants from both countries emphasised that the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are fundamental to Cambodia's progress. 

Under the strategic leadership of both countries’ top leaders, this friendship continues to grow stronger day by day, H.E. Dr. Yang Peou, Secretary General of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said. 

“Based on the solid foundation of leadership-level relations, many opportunities have been created for the peoples of Cambodia and China through bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Cambodia-China Community of Shared Future, and the Diamond Hexagon Cooperation, among others, all of which have brought tangible benefits to the Cambodians,” he said. 

H.E. Dr. Ky Sereyvath, Director General of the Institute of China Studies at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, described the Cambodia-China economic partnership as a story of "rapid growth and deepening ties," which has already transformed the country's physical landscape. 

He noted that these initiatives also transform the lives of ordinary Cambodians by creating jobs, protecting the environment, and building a resilient economy.

“Our challenge is to build not only roads and bridges of concrete, but also bridges of trust, fairness, supports and shared prosperity. If we succeed, Cambodia and China can set an example for how strategic partnerships between developing nations can drive inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said. 

The symposium underscored the success of flagship BRI projects, such as the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway and the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, which have become symbols of national pride and hold strategic importance for Cambodia's economic growth. 

The Cambodia-China Diamond Hexagon Cooperation focuses on six major areas: politics, production, agriculture, energy, security, and exchange.

H.E Dr. Kin Phea, Director General of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, called the "Diamond Hexagon" framework an engine for national transformation that provides Cambodia with opportunities for deeper integration into regional and global value chains, access to new technologies, and strengthened resilience.

“The Cambodia-China Diamond Hexagon is a vision of shared prosperity, but also a responsibility we must carry with wisdom and foresight. It is not only about Cambodia and China, it is about setting an example of cooperation that is open, inclusive, and beneficial to the region and beyond,” he said. 

“If we can implement this framework with strategic foresight, balanced diplomacy, and transparent governance, then the Diamond Hexagon will shine not only as a symbol of Cambodia-China friendship but also as a model for win-win cooperation in the 21st century,” he added. 

The event was co-organised by Silk Road Think Tank Association, Chinese (Kunming) Academy of South and Southeast Asia Studies/Yunnan Academy of Social Science, and Juijiang University. 

By Chea Vannak