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PoliticsCambodia

China's Xi Jinping in Cambodia amid Trump trade tensions

April 17, 2025

Cambodia is a key political ally and trading partner for China in Asia. Xi is expected to meet Cambodian Prime Minster Hun Manet as the two countries celebrate 67 years of diplomatic ties.

China's Xi Jinping and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni at Phnom Penh International Airport
China's Xi Jinping (right in picture) met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni (pictured left) upon his arrival at Phnom Penh International AirportImage: STR/AFP/Getty Images

China's President Xi Jinping arrived in Cambodia on Thursday, as the Chinese leader bolsters ties with regional allies amid a trade threat from US President Donald Trump's administration. 

What's on the agenda for Xi's visit? 

Xi was greeted by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni upon his arrival in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh.

Xi's presence was met with fanfare after he got off the Air China plane, with people waving Cambodian and Chinese flags and holding portrait photos of the two leaders.  

China has urged Cambodia to reject external forces intervening its affairs, in a possible reference to the US Image: STR/AFP/Getty Images

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is expected to hold talks with Xi later in the day. The two countries are celebrating 67 years of diplomatic ties. 

Cambodia is a key ally for China in Southeast Asia. The two countries have close political ties, with China investing billions of dollars in Cambodian infrastructure such as roads and airports. 

In an article put out by Cambodian media, Xi urged Cambodia to reject "hegemonism" and "protectionism."

One major issue between the two countries are Chinese-linked scam centers in Cambodia.

China on Thursday praised Cambodia for deporting several Taiwanese citizens involved in the fraud centers to China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing "highly appreciates" Cambodia's way of dealing with the issue, as it adhere to the "one-China principle." China views Taiwan as part of its territory, whereas Taiwan considers itself as distinct from mainland China. 

China, Cambodia face massive tensions with Trump 

Both China and Cambodia face massive trade tensions with the US. 

Trump has imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, whereas Beijing put 125% on US goods in retaliation. The tariffs have put a massive trade barrier between the world's two largest economies, with Trump urging China to make a deal. 

Xi’s Southeast Asia charm offensive vs. Trump’s trade push

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The US president had also implemented a 49% tariffs on Cambodian goods, before suspending this policy for 90 days and instead imposing a 10% "baseline" tariff on the country's products in the meantime. 

Earlier in the week, Xi also visited Malaysia and Vietnam as China seeks to deepen its influence in the Southeast Asia region.

Edited by: Zac Crellin

Wesley Dockery Journalist and editor focused on global security, politics, business and music
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