by Puy Kea
President of Club of Cambodian Journalist, Cambodia
My journey to China is more than a mere voyage; it is a trip of cultural immersion, societal exploration, and intellectual enlightenment. The allure of this ancient civilization, with its rich history and rapid modernization, beckoned me to traverse its landscapes and unravel its mysteries. My sojourn would not only broaden my horizons but also challenge my preconceptions and reshape my understanding of the world.
Touching down in China, I am immediately struck by the energy through the city’s veins. The magnitude of its buildings, streets, and swarming crowds painted a portrait of dynamism and ambition.
Venturing beyond the capital’s confines, I embarked on a voyage of discovery, traversing the vast expanse of China’s hinterlands. Yet, this breathtaking beauty, I also witnessed the realities of Chinese people bent beneath the weight of tradition, the culture and the struggle for economic opportunity, and the spirit of resilience.
Cambodia, on the other hand, passed through civil war and political turmoil for decades until 1998 that the country could put that dark and gray chapter to an end through win-win policy that was orchestrated by former Prime Minister Hun Sen, after then the country was opened for restoration and development as of today.
On culture and history, Cambodia is so much rich in that. One outstanding stature of this obvious claim is the standing of the world’s heritages, Angkor Wat Temple, that dates back between 9th and 12th centuries. Cambodia is deserved to well preserve the Angkor Wat temples complex and culture—both of which are the attractions of the world’s tourists to visit this past war-torn country. Development and modernization, wise, are cautiously moved to making sure that they are on the right track without fear of consequences, neither near nor far future.
Coming back to China, I glimpsed the complexities of China’s social fabric – the aspirations of the young, the disillusionment of the elderly, and the enduring quest for identity.
One aspect of China that left an impression on me is its history and tradition. From the majestic halls of the Forbidden City to the Great Wall, the echoes of China’s imperial past reverberated through the ages, serving as a reminder of the nation’s enduring legacy. I also witnessed China’s embrace of the future – from the sleek bullet trains hurtling across the countryside to the bustling tech hubs.
But perhaps what struck me the most during my time in China is the warmth and hospitality of its people, the foods from the bowls of noodles to Beijing ducks and hot pots. Despite our differences in language, millions of Cambodians adapts Chinese culture including the Chinese New Year which is widely celebrated across Cambodia.
As I reflect on my journey through Chinese cities and provinces, my voyage to China is not merely a physical journey, but a journey of the mind and spirit – a journey that broadened my horizons, and deepened my appreciation for the rich tapestry of human experience.
In China, I found a nation at once ancient and modern, traditional and progressive, bound by a shared heritage and a collective vision for the future. It is a nation of contradictions and complexities, where the past informs the present and the present shapes the future. These contradictions, I also found unity – a unity forged not in uniformity, but in diversity; in dialogue; and not in isolation, but in engagement with the world.
When I bid farewell to China and embark on my next journey, I will carry with me the memories of faces and places, moments and milestones that came across me. I discovered, again in China, not only a nation, but a world – a world of boundless possibility and endless wonder, waiting to be explored and embraced.
The Chinese people are bound by a shared sense of history and destiny, their collective identity forged through centuries of triumphs and tribulations. Perhaps, it is the unity that has propelled China to the forefront of the global stage, transforming it from a sleeping giant into an economic and political powerhouse.
While the world is watching China as a new land of boundless opportunity and potential, its economy continues to expand at a breakneck pace that helps contributing to the global economic landscape. Its technological prowess is second to none, with innovations in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and e-commerce setting the pace for the rest of the world.
From Cambodia’s perspective, China may evoke a mixture of admirations. First, Cambodia admires China’s rapid economic growth and development over the past few decades. China’s transformation to an economic powerhouse has been remarkable, and Cambodia may see China as a model for its own development aspirations. Second, China’s aid and investment play a significant role in Cambodia’s development projects, infrastructure, and economy. Third, Cambodia and China have historical and cultural ties that date back centuries, including through the influence of Chinese traders and the spread of Buddhism. These connections can foster a sense of kinship and mutual understanding between the two nations. Fourth, Cambodia’s geopolitical position between China and other regional powers like Vietnam and Thailand adds complexity to its relationship with China. Cambodia may seek to balance its ties with various countries to maintain sovereignty and stability.
While the world is facing turbulences on the situations in the middle east, the Ukraine war with Russia and the competitions between the two superpowers, let the world move to a new phase of solidarity, and a community for peace and development.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.