Xi Advocates for Global Supply Chain Cooperation During Cambodia Trip
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) in Cambodia, April 17, 2025. X/ @EurasiaNewsNet
April 17, 2025 Hour: 9:02 am
Cambodia is one of the countries in the region with which China maintains the closest diplomatic and economic ties
On Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping defended cooperation within the global supply chain during his visit to Cambodia, the Southeast Asian country most affected by additional U.S. tariffs. The United States has accused Cambodia of serving as a transshipment point for Chinese goods.
RELATED:
Chinese President Xi Signs 45 Cooperation Agreements With Vietnam
He was welcomed upon his arrival in Phnom Penh today by King Norodom Sihamoni, marking the final stop of his tour this week through Southeast Asia, following previous visits to Vietnam and Malaysia.
Xi later held a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet after earlier talks with Senate President Hun Sen, who governed the Asian country for nearly four decades until handing over power in 2023 to his son, the current head of government.
So far, the meetings have centered on discussions about expanding cooperation and strengthening relations, with no announcements yet regarding the signing of bilateral agreements—unlike in Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur, where 45 and 31 agreements were signed, respectively. Cambodia is one of the countries in the region with which China maintains the closest diplomatic and economic ties.
Trump Imposed a 49% Tariff
A major exporter of garments and footwear to the U.S., Cambodia was hit with a 49% tariff by Washington—the second highest in the world after Lesotho (50%)—before U.S. President Donald Trump decided last week to suspend the tariffs for 90 days. Phnom Penh is attempting to take advantage of the suspension to negotiate a possible reduction in the tariffs with Washington.
On Wednesday, Cambodian Trade Minister Cham Nimul and Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol agreed during a virtual meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Green to maintain dialogue in pursuit of a “fair and balanced trade relationship.”
China is a key partner for Cambodia and its largest creditor. The Asian giant has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure projects such as airports, bridges, and highways.
Among the projects for which Phnom Penh is seeking financial support from Beijing is the construction of a waterway linking the capital to the coast of the province of Kep. This project is estimated to cost around US$1.7 billion and would provide access to the South China Sea.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: EFE