Phnom Penh: Chinese President Xi Jinping began his visit to Cambodia on Thursday, marking the final stop in his three-nation Southeast Asia tour amidst rising trade tensions between China and the United States. This visit is Xi's first to Cambodia since 2016, and he arrived in the capital, Phnom Penh, for a two-day stay.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Xi was welcomed by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni in a ceremony upon his arrival. In a statement released prior to his visit, Xi emphasized the importance of China and Cambodia working collaboratively towards fostering a peaceful and prosperous Asia. He urged both nations to resist hegemonism and power politics while advocating for fairness in the international arena and opposing protectionism.

Throughout his visit, President Xi is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen. Discussions are expected to focus on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional and global issues of shared interest. Several bilateral agreements are anticipated to be signed, aiming to strengthen cooperation in crucial sectors.

Cambodia is the concluding destination in Xi's Southeast Asia tour, which also included visits to Vietnam and Malaysia. The tour underscores China's efforts to bolster ties with regional partners as it navigates the complexities of its trade relationship with the United States.