Hong Kong can play a ‘favourable role’ in elevating China-Cambodia ties: Chinese envoy
- Diplomat adds John Lee’s arrival in Phnom Penh ‘meaningful’ as it coincides with Leung Chun-ying leaving, reflecting Hong Kong’s importance
China’s top diplomat in Cambodia has said that the Hong Kong leader’s visit to the Southeast Asian country is “particularly meaningful” in highlighting the city’s key role in promoting relations between Beijing and Phnom Penh.
The city leader was received at the airport by Chinese ambassador Wang Wenbin, who was posted to Cambodia about four weeks ago and is better known for his former role as a spokesman for the foreign ministry in Beijing.
“We believe that the chief executive’s visit to Cambodia will definitely promote mutually beneficial cooperation between Cambodia and Hong Kong, and will also play a favourable role in further promoting the China-Cambodia relations,” Wang said at a reception held at his official residence.
China’s relationship with Cambodia remains one of the closest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). There are no territorial disputes between the two countries, and Phnom Penh is heavily dependent on Chinese trade and investment.
Wang said the day also marked a “particularly meaningful moment” because Lee arrived in Phnom Penh merely hours after the departure of Leung Chun-ying, Hong Kong’s former chief executive and now vice-chairman of China’s top political advisory body.
