AKP Phnom Penh, September 25, 2026 --

Cambodia and China jointly hosted a Mid-Autumn Festival art performance in Phnom Penh on Wednesday, showcasing the enduring traditional friendship, close cultural bonds, and shared heritage passed down through generations between the two nations.

Held at the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre under the theme "Clouds Accompany the Moon, Deep Sentiment Among Good Neighbours," the event brought together senior officials, diplomats, and cultural delegates to commemorate the shared traditions of both countries.

Addressing the audience, H.E. Peng Bin, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Director of the Yunnan Provincial Civilisation Office, highlighted the cultural significance of the festival.

"The Mid-Autumn Festival represents the Chinese people's beautiful aspirations for family reunions and harmony," he said. "Gazing at the moon is a cultural tradition shared by both the Chinese and Cambodian peoples, serving as a vivid testament to our close cultural ties."

H.E. Peng noted that while Chinese people celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival by admiring the moon and sharing mooncakes, Cambodians observe the Water Festival, Moon Festival, and Ork Ambok to pray for peace and prosperity. These similar cultural practices reflect deep-rooted affinity and mutual support between the two nations, he added.

"The shared moonlight bears witness to our historical, ironclad friendship," he stated, noting that under the strategic guidance of both countries' leaders, China-Cambodia relations have reached new heights, yielding fruitful cooperation across multiple sectors.

Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. Wang Wenbin emphasised the importance of civilisational exchange, stating that culture gains vibrancy through mutual learning.

"We are willing to work with our Cambodian friends to take this event as a new starting point to further deepen cooperation in news media, cultural exchange, tourism, and youth engagement," Wang said.

Ambassador Wang pointed to expanding bilateral cooperation, including the 4K documentary "Good Neighbour Cambodia" co-produced by Yunnan Radio and Television and National Television of Cambodia (TVK), the South and Southeast Asia Media Network comprising over 100 outlets, and the ongoing Lancang-Mekong Audiovisual Week.

He also referenced key infrastructure and connectivity achievements, such as the China-Cambodia Cultural Corridor at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, direct cross-border freight routes connecting China, Laos, and Cambodia, mutual visa-exemption policies, and the reopened Phnom Penh Cultural Centre.

Cambodian Minister of Tourism H.E. Huot Hak described Cambodia and China as ironclad friends with a history of friendship spanning over a millennium.

"Through our 'Diamond Hexagon' cooperation framework, tourism and people-to-people exchanges serve as essential bridges," H.E. Huot Hak said, noting that the joint cultural event marks another historical milestone in deepening ties, actively contributing to the Cambodia-China Tourism Year and the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Minister extended a warm welcome to Chinese tourists and investors, reassuring them of Cambodia’s hospitality, safety, and favorable environment for travel and business.

By K. Rithy Reak