China, Cambodia Hold First ‘2+2’ Strategic Dialogue, Reach Six-Point Consensus China and Cambodia held their first meeting under the newly established “2+2” Strategic Dialogue Mechanism on April 22, 2026, in Phnom Penh. The dialogue brought together Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defense Minister Dong Jun with their Cambodian counterparts, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet. The meeting marked a significant step in deepening bilateral cooperation between the two nations. According to official reports, the two sides reached a six-point consensus during the talks. The agreement covered strengthening political mutual trust, enhancing defense and security cooperation, expanding practical collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, and coordinating closely on regional and international affairs. Both countries emphasized their commitment to upholding multilateralism and supporting ASEAN centrality in regional architecture. The “2+2” dialogue mechanism, which pairs foreign and defense ministers from each country, is designed to facilitate high-level strategic communication on political, security, and defense matters. It reflects the growing depth of China-Cambodia relations, which have been characterized by consistent high-level engagement and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. Chinese officials described the dialogue as candid and productive, noting that it helped align positions on key regional issues. Cambodian representatives welcomed the mechanism as a platform to deepen understanding and coordination with China, particularly in maintaining regional peace and stability. The meeting took place at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh and was covered by multiple media outlets, including state-affiliated and international news agencies. Photos from the event showed the ministers engaging in handshakes and formal discussions, underscoring the ceremonial and substantive nature of the engagement. Analysts note that the establishment of the “2+2” dialogue follows similar mechanisms China has with other strategic partners and signals a move toward institutionalizing long-term cooperation with Cambodia. The mechanism is expected to convene regularly, providing a structured channel for dialogue on evolving regional dynamics. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the inaugural meeting and agreed to maintain close communication through diplomatic and military channels. They also affirmed their intention to build on the consensus reached to further strengthen the China-Cambodia community of shared future in the new era.
24