Guest Opinion: Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year signals commitment to peaceful cooperation, mutual prosperity

Looking ahead, the people-to-people exchange year lays the groundwork for sustained cultural engagement and long-term cooperation.

by Yen Samnang

The 2024 Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year highlights a strong commitment to peaceful cooperation and mutual prosperity, establishing a solid foundation for enduring diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In 2023, Cambodia and China elevated their bilateral relations within the "Diamond Hexagon" cooperation framework that is centered on six priority areas, including people-to-people exchanges.

Cultural diplomacy refers to the exchange of ideas, information, art, language, and other aspects of culture among nations and peoples in order to foster mutual understanding. In this sense, the people-to-people exchange year is considered as an essential pillar for cultural interactions between Cambodia and China and as a way to foster mutual understanding and forge strong bilateral ties.

This initiative showcases Cambodia's rich cultural heritage internationally and provides a platform for co-organizing diverse cultural activities, such as art exhibitions, traditional music, dance performances, and culinary festivals. Events like When Shaolin Meets Bokator at Angkor in April exemplify how such programs celebrate cultural diversity, deepen mutual appreciation, and enhance cultural diplomacy.

Beyond cultural engagement, the exchange year opens opportunities for various societal groups, including youth, artists, academics, and local communities. By fostering inclusivity, it strengthens grassroots ties, reinforces social bonds, and nurtures long-term interstate relations.

In fact, the Cambodian government has recognized the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering economic growth and enhancing national identity. As such, within the framework of people-to-people exchanges, the two sides can promote joint cultural tourism initiatives to showcase the diverse heritage of both countries.

Also, they can further promote cultural exchange programs, foster bilateral artistic collaboration, and facilitate educational initiatives to further promote mutual understanding.

This approach will not only strengthen cultural links but also yield economic benefits through increased tourism and the exchange of expertise in various cultural and artistic domains.

The tourism industry is key to Cambodia's economy. It has created billions of U.S. dollars in revenue and generated numerous local job opportunities.

In 2023, Cambodia welcomed approximately 540,000 Chinese visitors, a number likely to grow with the exchange year's activities. Increased tourist arrivals and investment, combined with free trade agreements, are expected to spur job creation, infrastructure development, and long-term economic growth.

Looking ahead, the people-to-people exchange year lays the groundwork for sustained cultural engagement and long-term cooperation.

The enhanced cultural diplomacy resulting from this strategic initiative will set the stage for building a high-quality, high-level, and high-standard Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era.

As both countries continue to navigate the complex dynamics of globalization, cultural diplomacy remains a strategic avenue for promoting peace, understanding, and shared prosperity in the region and beyond.

Editor's note: Yen Samnang is a research fellow at the Asian Vision Institute, an independent policy think tank based in Cambodia.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.■