Photo: Franck Robichon/AFP via Getty Images

Cambodian PM Hun Manet concludes his three-day state visit to Beijing today.

This marks his first official visit to Beijing since taking office a month ago following his father Hun Sen’s four decades of autocratic rule.

Today’s visit comes as Beijing and Phnom Penh commemorate their 65^th anniversary of diplomatic relations and emphasize the importance of consolidating the “comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between the two nations” through the building of a “Cambodia-China community”.

Manet’s decision to choose China as the first destination of his state visit ultimately highlights the continuation of his father’s foreign policy trajectory. From being a key recipient in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, conducting joint military exercises to supporting China in international forums, Beijing has become Phenom Penh’s strongest economic and diplomatic partner and is likely to remain one under Manet’s leadership.

Cambodia is likely to continue to support China diplomatically, especially on issues pertaining to the South China Sea as Beijing remains core to its economic development. As a testament to the foreign policy continuation, Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting China’s One China policy and its stance on Hong Kong and Taiwan. In the near future, Cambodia’s continued support of China may complicate ASEAN relations as other member states remain divided on South China Sea disputes.