Editor's Note: China is rolling out a major documentary series on its diplomatic principles, practices and achievements over the past five years. The English-language version of the program is now also available on TV and online. To help audience better understand Chinese diplomacy, Xinhua is releasing a variety of reports that include anecdotes, quotable quotes, facts and figures.
The following is an anecdote from the TV series on Chinese President Xi Jinping's foreign visits over the past five years:
In October 2016, Xi paid a visit to Cambodia, where he was treated with utmost courtesy, reflecting the exceptional relations between China and Cambodia.
Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, in her 80s, not only personally accompanied Xi to present a flower basket to the statue of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, but also invited him to have a sit in the chair where Sihanouk had often sat when he was alive. The chair has been cherished by the royal family since King Father's passing and had never been permitted to use until Xi's coming.
Khlot Thyda, president of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said that according to Cambodian custom, inviting Xi to use the chair has two meanings -- "one is to express mutual remembrance. Also, to wish a distinguished guest who sits in this special chair longevity and good health."
During the visit, in the presence of Xi and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, the two countries signed 31 documents on cooperation, covering areas like diplomacy, industrial-capacity cooperation and joint development of the Belt and Road as envisaged in the Belt and Road Initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming to build trade and infrastructure networks along the ancient Silk Road routes connecting Asia with Europe, Africa and beyond.
China-Cambodia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership was elevated to a new high.
