AKP Siem Reap, April 07, 2025 --

A delegation of Cambodian and Chinese journalists conducted a field visit on April 5-6, 2025, to observe and understand the progress of a temple conservation project in Siem Reap.

The visit is part of the Cambodia-China cultural heritage conservation and restoration cooperation initiative focused on preserving the legacy of Angkor.

The delegation included representatives from the State-run Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP), APSARA TV, AMS, Thmey Thmey, and China’s People’s Daily.

Currently, a Cambodia-China technical team is working on restoring a collapsed entrance gate at the rear section of the Phimean Akas Temple complex, prior to undertaking further infrastructure improvements of this historic royal palace site.

In previous years, China has also provided significant assistance in restoring other Angkorian temples. Notably, China undertook the restoration of Ta Keo Temple starting in 2011 and completed the work in 2018 with an estimated budget of 40 million yuan.

Additionally, the restoration of Chao Say Tevoda Temple was completed in 2008 after starting in 2000, costing approximately 14 million yuan.

China has consistently provided various forms of support to Cambodia, including grants, interest-free loans, and concessional loans.

These have been directed toward key sectors such as scholarships for Cambodian students, infrastructure development, agricultural advancement, expansion of rural electricity networks, water resource management, and cooperation in technology, information, and telecommunications. China also donated COVID-19 vaccines to Cambodia during the pandemic.

Moreover, the People’s Republic of China has played a vital role in preserving Cambodia’s cultural identity and heritage through conservation, research, training, and sustainable development projects in the Angkor Archaeological Park since 1993.

By K. Rithy Reak