On September 5, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea and Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin will sign a $2 million agreement for cooperation projects under the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Special Fund. The funds will support eight initiatives covering sectors such as tourism, mine action, agriculture, rural development, and flood risk management. This is part of ongoing efforts to boost Cambodia’s development while strengthening ties between the two nations.

China’s MLC Special Fund has financed nearly 90 projects in Cambodia over the past seven years, illustrating the country’s commitment to fostering peace and sustainable development within the Mekong region. Researchers view China’s increasing investment in the region as a strategy to enhance its influence and soft power across Southeast Asia, positioning itself as a responsible actor while navigating broader geopolitical dynamics, including contentious issues like the South China Sea disputes.