China ties 'improve Cambodia livelihoods'

In addition, China is also one of the most popular destinations for Cambodian youths to travel abroad, the survey showed, adding that the pragmatic cooperation and cultural exchanges between China and Cambodia has greatly promoted Chinese language education in Cambodia.

"Cambodian youths interviewed generally believe that learning Chinese is conducive to generating employment opportunities," the news release says. "Most Cambodian youths also recognize the importance of Chinese-style poverty alleviation experiences in helping Cambodia eradicate poverty."

Neak Chandarith, director of the Cambodia 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Research Center, says that the survey results show positive perceptions among Cambodian youths toward China and reveal the significance of Chinese-funded enterprises in helping boost Cambodia's economy.

"It is true that Chinese-backed projects under the BRI, such as the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, hydropower plants, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, the new Siem Reap International Airport, roads and bridges, among others, have all played, and will continue to play, a crucial role in supporting the kingdom's economy in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era," he says.

"I think that the BRI projects here will help Cambodia achieve its ambitious goal of becoming an upper-middle income country by 2030 and a high-income country in 2050."