Cambodia has called on young people from China and ASEAN to uphold sovereign equality, international law and ASEAN centrality while strengthening mutual understanding and turning shared challenges into practical cooperation.

Kin Phea, director-general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia (IRIC) at the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), outlined the priorities at the fourth China-ASEAN Excellent Youth Summer Camp in Henan Province, China, running from October 18 to 24.

Organised by the IRIC of the RAC and Henan Normal University’s School of Politics and Public Administration, the camp builds on three previous editions held from 2023 to 2025.

Speaking under the theme “A New Journey Across Mountains and Seas: Empowering Youth to Build a Community with a Shared Future”, Phea identified three priorities: promoting understanding through critical inquiry, ensuring inclusive cooperation and translating shared responsibility into practical initiatives.
“From a Cambodian perspective, sovereign equality, international law and ASEAN centrality are essential foundations,” he said.

He stressed that economic interdependence alone could not overcome mistrust, urging young people to examine evidence, question assumptions and understand other countries’ concerns.

“Cooperation is more durable when its benefits reach communities and smaller countries have a meaningful voice,” he said, emphasising the importance of respecting different political systems, cultural traditions and national priorities.

Phea also highlighted discussions on water, climate change and security consensus-building as opportunities for participants to develop practical solutions and problem-solving skills.

He encouraged each cross-national team to continue collaborating after the programme, saying: “Before you leave Henan, I encourage each cross-national team to choose one small joint project and set a date to meet again.”

Tian Qirui, Party secretary of the School of Politics and Public Administration at Henan Normal University, said the camp provided a platform for young people to deepen friendship, enhance understanding and explore cooperation.

Addressing the opening ceremony on October 19, Tian highlighted the significance of 2026, which marks the 35th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations and the fifth anniversary of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“Youth are the future of the country, the hope of the nation, and the vital force of China-ASEAN friendly cooperation,” he said.

Tian encouraged participants to learn from one another with open and inclusive attitudes and share their experiences with communities in their home countries to strengthen mutual understanding.

Representing the ASEAN youth delegation, Mak Monyreach, an international relations student at the RAC, highlighted the importance of cooperation in addressing challenges that cross national borders.

“We gather here today not just as students, but as future partners,” he said.

He identified digital governance, climate change and cross-border security as areas requiring closer cooperation. “To meet these challenges, our cooperation must be equally borderless,” he said.

The programme includes discussions on digital connectivity, cooperation on rules and regional security, alongside cultural activities exploring traditional Chinese tea culture, the Belt and Road Initiative and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism.

Participants will also take part in the New Era Security Consensus Framework competition, developing practical solutions through collaboration and negotiation.

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