BEIJING, July 5 (Xinhua) — Top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng met with President of the Cambodian Senate Samdech Say Chhum on Tuesday, praising Cambodia for its objective and fair position on the South China Sea.

During their meeting, Say Chhum reaffirmed Cambodia's firm support for China's stance on the South China Sea.

The Arbitral Tribunal for South China Sea arbitration, established unilaterally at the request of the Philippines, said that it would issue the final ruling on July 12.

Since 2013, when the Philippines unilaterally initiated the arbitration on disputes between China and the Philippines, the Chinese government has repeatedly reiterated that it will neither accept nor participate in the arbitration.

China and Cambodia are friendly neighbors and important cooperative partners, said Yu, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee.

He suggested that the two sides should strengthen linkage of their development strategies, deepen pragmatic cooperation and cultural exchanges, and maintain sound coordination on international and regional affairs to advance bilateral ties.

Say Chhum said the two countries are friendly neighbors, brothers and partners and called on the two sides to cement their friendship.

Cambodia is willing to promote mutually beneficial cooperation with China and will actively take part in the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China, he said.