Xi Jinping Urges Cambodia to Stand Against Protectionism During Phnom Penh Visit

During a recent Southeast Asian tour, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a stop in Phnom Penh on April 17, 2025, after visiting Vietnam and Malaysia. He met with Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace, emphasizing the need to counter protectionist policies. This visit comes at a critical time as both nations grapple with the economic fallout from U.S. tariffs, which have significantly impacted their trade-dependent economies.

Cambodia, a key exporter of apparel and footwear to the U.S., has faced a steep 49% import tax from the United States, one of the highest globally, before a temporary suspension of "reciprocal" duties until July for most nations—except China, which bears a 145% tariff burden. A Cambodian spokesperson highlighted expectations for enhanced Chinese support, particularly in infrastructure development, to help mitigate these economic pressures. During Xi’s visit, 37 agreements were signed, signaling deeper cooperation between the two countries.

Xi’s call to resist protectionism aligns with his broader strategy to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations amid global trade tensions. Prior to his arrival, Cambodia deported Taiwanese nationals to China, a move seen as reinforcing its alignment with Beijing. This visit underscores Cambodia’s growing reliance on China for economic support as it navigates the challenges posed by international trade policies and seeks to bolster its infrastructure and economic resilience.