China’s foreign and defense ministers meet with Cambodian counterparts in joint ‘2+2’ dialogue Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defense Minister Dong Jun met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and senior officials in Phnom Penh on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, for the inaugural session of the China-Cambodia “2+2” Strategic Dialogue Mechanism. The meeting marked the first high-level engagement under this novel framework, designed to deepen political and security cooperation between the two nations. According to official announcements, Wang Yi is leading a Chinese delegation that will visit Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar from April 22 to 26, 2026, upon invitation from the respective governments. During the Cambodia leg of the trip, Wang and Dong Jun participated in the dialogue with Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Defense Minister Tea Seiha. The discussions focused on strengthening mutual political trust and enhancing security ties, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between China and Cambodia. The “2+2” mechanism brings together foreign and defense ministers from both countries to coordinate on bilateral and regional issues of common concern. Photos released by Agence Kampuchea Press showed Wang Yi and Dong Jun shaking hands with Hun Manet prior to the talks, as well as the three officials posing together before the meeting. A separate image depicted the Chinese delegation, led by Wang Yi, seated with Cambodian officials led by Hun Manet during the session at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh. The dialogue represents a formalization of high-level engagement between China and Cambodia, building on years of expanding cooperation in diplomacy, defense, and economic development. By institutionalizing regular exchanges between their top foreign and security officials, both countries aim to ensure sustained coordination on shared priorities.
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