Cambodians applaud 'solidarity' of Games

Cambodia and China have long enjoyed warm and friendly relations, and the success of Beijing 2022 has impressed many Cambodians, who say the Games have brought about peace, unity, solidarity and international cooperation.

Heang Sreypich, a third-year student majoring in Chinese literature at the Asia Euro University in Phnom Penh, said she watched the opening ceremony of the Games and was impressed with the giant snowflake made up of smaller snowflakes representing all the nations competing at Beijing 2022.

"The Beijing Winter Olympics are internationally significant and promote world peace and cooperation as well as enhancing mutual understanding among peoples across the world," she said.

Sreypich said the Games are a platform not only for sports but also for international exchanges of science, technology and culture.

Hor Raksmey, vice-president of the Association of Cambodian Students in China, said the well-organized Games reflect China's passion for sport, which is a tool to promote peace, togetherness, development and international cooperation.

"I fully support the Games because it is an opportunity for athletes to show their physical ability and talent after they have spent years to train," she told Xinhua.

"I believe that the Beijing Winter Olympics will create closer friendships, solidarity and cooperation between China and other countries, and it is also a good opportunity for foreign athletes and visitors to enjoy the richness of Chinese culture and civilization," she added.

She said the recent attendance of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni at the Beijing Winter Olympics demonstrated Cambodia's full support for the Olympics, and was a new historical milestone in China-Cambodia relations.

Heang Chanthou, a junior at the Asia Euro University, said the Beijing Winter Olympics are "splendid and fascinating", adding that hosting the Games on schedule amid the difficulties presented by COVID-19 proved China's commitment and responsibility.

"China has achieved a great success and has shown its capacity in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic to the world," he said.

XINHUA