AKP Phnom Penh, April 23, 2026 --

Cambodia and China held the First Meeting of the 2+2 Strategic Dialogue in Phnom Penh on April 22, agreeing to elevate the mechanism to a 3+3 framework as both countries seek to deepen bilateral cooperation and respond to evolving regional and global challenges.

The meeting was co-chaired by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.E. Prak Sokhonn and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence H.E. Tea Seiha. The Chinese side was led by Foreign Minister H.E. Wang Yi and Minister of National Defence H.E. Dong Jun.

Both sides described the inaugural dialogue as a significant milestone in Cambodia-China relations, reflecting their shared commitment to strengthening strategic coordination and advancing the building of an all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era.

The two countries praised the continued growth of their comprehensive strategic partnership and reaffirmed their longstanding “ironclad friendship,” built on mutual respect, trust, and unwavering support for each other’s core interests.

Cambodia reiterated its support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, as well as the four global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping covering development, security, civilisation, and governance.

During the talks, the two sides exchanged views on political, security, economic, regional, and international issues. They also emphasised the importance of maintaining high-level exchanges, strengthening institutional ties, and enhancing coordination among ministries and agencies of both governments.

A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement to upgrade the 2+2 dialogue into a 3+3 mechanism, with the inclusion of Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior and China’s Ministry of Public Security. Officials said the expansion reflects growing bilateral cooperation and the changing regional and international environment.

Looking ahead, Cambodia and China agreed to further deepen practical cooperation in both traditional and emerging sectors, including digital transformation, green development, blue economy, connectivity, resilient supply chains, financial cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

Both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing major cooperation frameworks such as the Diamond Cooperation Framework, the Industrial and Technological Corridor, and the Fish and Rice Corridor, aiming to deliver concrete and mutually beneficial outcomes for both nations.

The two sides said they remain committed to strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership not only for the prosperity of Cambodia and China, but also for peace, stability, and development in the region and beyond.

By C. Nika