(Kunming, China): The Second Diamond Hexagon Think Tank Forum under the theme “Cambodia-China Diamond Hexagon Cooperation” was held from September 17 to 19, 2025, in Kunming, Yunnan province, China.

Cambodian government officials, research institutions, and media representatives, including the Royal Academy of Cambodia, the Asian Vision Institute (AVI), as well as Fresh News, AKP National News Agency, and AMS were invited to attend the forum both in person and virtually. Discussions focused on the vital role of China-backed initiatives in promoting Cambodia’s socio-economic and trade development.

Speakers and participants from both countries emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations within the framework of the Diamond Hexagon Cooperation. They highlighted the significance of the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as fundamental drivers of Cambodia’s progress.

Yang Pov, Secretary-General of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, underscored that under the strategic leadership of both nations, bilateral friendship continues to grow stronger day by day. He stressed that on the basis of strong ties at the leadership level, multiple opportunities have emerged for Cambodian and Chinese people through bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks, such as the BRI, the Community of Shared Future, and the Diamond Hexagon, which have brought tangible benefits to Cambodia.

He further noted that this forum plays a crucial role by allowing researchers and scholars from both countries to meet, exchange views, and identify key insights that serve as input for governments and peoples of the two nations. Such exchanges strengthen the “ironclad” Cambodia-China friendship and align with the joint commitment to build a community with a shared future, while expanding both existing and new areas of cooperation.

Ky Sereyvath, President of the Chinese Studies Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, remarked that Cambodia-China economic partnership is one of both growth and depth. He pointed out that these initiatives have contributed to improving the livelihoods of Cambodian people by creating jobs, protecting the environment, and building a more resilient economy. He emphasized: “Our relationship is not only about building roads and bridges, but also about building trust, justice, solidarity, and shared prosperity. If we succeed, Cambodia and China can serve as a model of strategic partnership among developing countries, driving sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.”

Meanwhile, Kin Phea, President of the Institute of International Relations at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, described the “Diamond Hexagon Cooperation” framework as an engine for national development, offering Cambodia deeper integration into regional and global supply chains, access to new technologies, and strengthened resilience.

The opening session of the forum brought together government officials, scholars, researchers, and journalists from both Cambodia and China to share perspectives on bilateral cooperation across various fields—including politics, security, trade, investment, education, media, and agriculture. Cambodian students currently studying in Kunming also attended the discussions.
=FRESH NEWS