Leaders pay last respects to Sihanouk

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-Cambodia diplomatic ties.

A Cambodian boy, sitting on his father's shoulder for a better view, pays his respects in front of the crematorium where the coffin bearing the remains of King Norodom Sihanouk is placed.

Jia Xiudong, a senior researcher at the China Institute of International Studies, said some ASEAN countries can learn about problem solving from the development of China-Cambodia ties, which also have difficulties like huge trade imbalances. "The key is both countries are willing to work together based on mutual respect and are confident that China would never hurt the bloc's interests," he said.

Bilateral trade volume between Cambodia and China amounted to $2.5 billion in 2011, up 73.5 percent from a year earlier, according to official statistics.

China's support means a lot to Cambodia, which is seeking more influence in the international community, said Song Yinghui, a researcher on Southeast Asian studies with the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

"But such bilateral relations are not a hierarchical one as some countries claim. Cambodia, which has suffered from colonization and instability for decades, highly values independence and has gained worldwide recognition for independently solving ethnic and economic issues," said Song.

Contact the writers at zhaoshengnan@chinadaily.com.cn