China has pledged humanitarian assistance worth approximately $ 2.8 million to Cambodia to help repair damage caused by recent border clashes with Thailand and to support displaced communities.
According to a statement from the Cambodian government’s spokesperson unit, Beijing has pledged 20 million yuan in relief aid. The announcement followed the participation of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin, China.
The statement said Chinese President Xi Jinping described Hun Manet’s presence at the summit as a significant opportunity to further strengthen what both governments call their “ironclad friendship.”
Cambodia and China also reaffirmed commitments to deepen cooperation in areas ranging from diplomacy and trade to infrastructure development and national security.
During bilateral talks with Hun Manet, Xi Jinping expressed support for a ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, as well as for ASEAN-led monitoring mechanisms under Malaysia’s leadership. He also urged a speedy formation of an ASEAN Observer Team to help oversee the border situation. Beijing, the statement said, is following the Cambodia–Thailand dispute closely.
Hun Manet attended the three-day summit, which ran from August 30 to September 1. Leaders from 25 countries took part, including Russia, India, Malaysia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, Cambodian political analyst Man Nat wrote on Facebook on September 1 that Cambodia should carefully manage its diplomatic relations while under what he called aggression from Thailand. He argued that maintaining neutrality could allow Phnom Penh to draw on broader international support, including from major powers, in seeking justice over the dispute.
The renewed assistance pledge highlights China’s growing role in Cambodia’s political and economic affairs, particularly at a time when Phnom Penh faces pressure along its western border.
