• Politics

Wang Yi Visit to Cement Friendships With New Government

• By Teng Yalirozy
• August 11, 2023 2:02 PM

PHNOM PENH – Analysts say Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi vising Cambodia during the power transition will further strengthen the interpersonal political connections between China and Cambodia’s new government.

Lak Chansok, senior lecturer at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy, said that following his appointment once again as the CPC's foreign minister, Wang Yi is anticipated to tour Southeast Asia, given that former FM Qin Gang was less interested in Southeast Asia and more focused on the West and Africa.

“Wang will be the first top Communist Party of China diplomat to congratulate PM-to-be Hun Manet in Cambodia, solidifying the personal political connection between the two governments,” he said.

Wang Yi will visit Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia from Aug. 10 to 13. His visit to Cambodia is set to be on Aug. 12-13.

He will have an audience with the King and pay separate courtesy calls to Prime Minister Hun Sen and Hun Manet. This visit will be the first foreign official meeting of Manet who, following the legislature's vote of confidence, will be formally sworn in on Aug. 22.

Seun Sam, a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said this visit is very important for Cambodia and for relations between Cambodia and China.

“The visit at this time is the symbol of honoring the new leader of Cambodia,” he said. “We must acknowledge that only China will support Cambodia during any difficult time. Whether you like it or not, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway is the best example to depict the good relations between Cambodia and China.”

The expressway was funded by China Road and Bridge Corp along with the Cambodian and Chinese governments. Wang Yi’s visit also coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.

“Wang will, indeed, bring in the issues pertaining to the BRI to commemorate the 10th anniversary of this initiative,” said Lak Chansok.

He pointed out that Wang's visit to the region at this critical time reaffirms CPC's unwavering commitment to materializing the Community of Shared Future based upon China's latest initiatives of Global Development and Security.

Po Sovinda, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, said Wang Yi's visit will further strengthen the strong relationship between Cambodia and China. 

“The new government in Cambodia led by Hun Manet will likely continue to further enhance the traditional relationship between both countries,” he said. “Cambodia will continue to get Chinese support on many fronts such as economic and military assistance.”

What the new ruler can reap from the visit

Seun Sam said the new government of Cambodia will gain more trust from China after the visit, which is a good opportunity for Cambodia. Cambodia, however, needs to improve its internal capacity in almost all fields.

“China will continue to support Cambodia and China really wants to see a strong Cambodia, so there are more things for Cambodia to do to improve its capacity and its ability,” he said.

Chansok of IISPP said the Cambodian government continues to be open to collaboration with all nations despite being a minor state in the midst of the current great power conflict.

“Wang's visit signifies the Cambodia-China relationship and reaffirms stalwart political support between the two governments,” he said.

Can it interrupt Cambodia and the West’s relationship?

Po Sovinda said Wang Yi's visit to Cambodia is not expected to harm Cambodia's ties with the West, considering that Wang Yi is merely the foreign minister and not the president and Cambodia is one of the three SEA nations Wang Yi will have visited.

“Even though his presence is significant, it is not the president,” he said.

Seun Sam said the visit will not interrupt the good relations of Cambodia with Western countries. “If the US and Western countries would like to come to visit Cambodia, Cambodian leaders will be pleased to welcome them.”

He said countries should cooperate with Cambodia rather than criticize the countries for its move.

Lak Chansok said Wang is aware of the region's expanding significance in relation to China's overarching grand plan. Institutionalization and reinforcement of the Quad and the creation of the AUKUS are aimed at challenging China's ambitious strategy along the sea.

“With the upgraded cooperation with China, Cambodia again remains open to all countries. Forcing the Cambodian government to side with one at the expense of another will further leverage the Cambodia-China relationship,” he said.