Cambodia Renames Phnom Penh's Third Ring Road to 'Xi Jinping Boulevard'

In a significant gesture of appreciation, the Cambodian government has officially renamed a major road in Phnom Penh to honor Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Third Ring Road, now known as 'Xi Jinping Boulevard,' was renamed during a ceremony held on May 29, 2024.

Why this matters: This renaming of the road reflects the growing influence of China in Southeast Asia and its increasing economic and political ties with Cambodia. This development could have significant implications for regional politics and trade, potentially shifting the balance of power in the region.

The ceremony was attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian. The renaming of the 48-kilometer stretch is a tribute to President Xi's contributions to Cambodia's development and the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations.

Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his appreciation, stating, *"To thank President Xi for his historic contribution to Cambodia's development, the Cambodian government decided to name the third ring road stretching from Highway 1 to Highway 4 as 'Xi Jinping Boulevard.'"

The renamed road spans approximately 48 kilometers in the southern section of Phnom Penh's third ring road. This move is seen as a new milestone in the long-standing relationship between Cambodia and China. The renaming follows a historical precedent set in 1965 when Cambodian King Father Norodom Sihanouk named a road in Phnom Penh 'Mao Zedong Boulevard.'

Chinese Ambassador Wang Wentian emphasized the significance of the renaming, stating, *"China is ready to work hand in hand with Cambodia to build a brighter and better future for the China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the modern times."*

The renaming of the road is part of a broader context of deepening ties between Cambodia and China. The two countries have enjoyed a robust relationship, with China providing significant aid and investment in Cambodia's infrastructure, including nearly 4,000 kilometers of road construction. The Belt and Road Initiative, led by China, has played a pivotal role in Cambodia's socio-economic development.

The newly named 'Xi Jinping Boulevard' is expected to enhance cross-border transport, promote international trade, and contribute to the development of surrounding areas. The road, constructed by Shanghai Construction Group Co Ltd, began in January 2019 and was completed at a cost of $273 million.

Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted the importance of the road, stating, 'Cambodia-China relations are long-standing and have grown to an inseparable level. This relationship embodies the values of mutual trust, especially political trust.'

The renaming of the Third Ring Road to 'Xi Jinping Boulevard' highlights the deep and enduring rel="noopener noreferrer">friendship between Cambodia and China. As both nations continue to collaborate on various projects, this symbolic gesture reflects their mutual commitment to a shared future.

Key Takeaways

• Cambodia renames Phnom Penh's Third Ring Road to "Xi Jinping Boulevard" in honor of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
• The renaming reflects China's growing influence in Southeast Asia and its deepening ties with Cambodia.
• The 48-kilometer road was constructed by Shanghai Construction Group Co Ltd at a cost of $273 million.
• The road is expected to enhance cross-border transport, promote international trade, and contribute to local development.
• The gesture symbolizes the strong and enduring friendship between Cambodia and China.