US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Trump Slams New York Data Center Ban, Warns AI Investment Could Shift to Other States 
U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Select Brazilian Imports After Section 301 Trade Investigation 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
UBS Boosts China Tech Bets, Adds Kuaishou and Meituan to Focus List 
Zelenskiy Cabinet Reshuffle Puts Ukraine Defense Minister Fedorov’s Future in Focus 
Oil Prices Set for Weekly Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Fuels Supply Fears 
Xi Jinping Calls for People-Centered AI Development at WAIC, Expands Global Cooperation 
Trump Orders ICE to Resume Traffic Stops After Deadly Immigration Enforcement Incidents 
Trump Administration Bars U.S. Travelers From Congo Flights Amid Ebola Outbreak 
Trump to Deliver National Address on 2020 Election Intelligence, Voting Machine Security 
US Military Completes Sixth Night of Iran Strikes as Conflict Escalates 
Senate Weighs Permanent Daylight Saving Time Bill as Support Remains Uncertain 
Iran Warns Trump Against Striking Infrastructure, Declares Strait of Hormuz a ‘Red Line’ 
Trump Expands U.S. Strikes on Iran, Warns Attacks Will Continue Until Nuclear Deal 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Cambodia is banking on increased financial support from China as President Xi Jinping visits Phnom Penh, concluding his Southeast Asia tour. The trip, seen as a strategic charm offensive, follows Xi's visits to Malaysia and Vietnam and comes amid regional economic strains from U.S. tariffs.
Cambodia, a key garment and footwear exporter to the U.S., has faced a steep 49% “reciprocal” tariff imposed by President Donald Trump—one of the highest globally—though most duties are currently paused until July.
As China’s largest bilateral creditor, Beijing has invested billions in Cambodian infrastructure, including roads and airports. Now, Phnom Penh is eyeing support for the $1.7 billion Funan Techo Canal, a 180-km waterway that would connect the Mekong River near Phnom Penh to the Gulf of Thailand. The canal is expected to boost Cambodian shipping while reducing reliance on Vietnamese ports, though it has drawn concern for its environmental impact on the Mekong Delta.
Cambodia has alternated its claims on Beijing’s involvement in the canal’s funding, from fully covering the costs to financing 49%. While China has yet to confirm any financial commitment, Cambodian officials remain optimistic. “We expect more cooperation including on infrastructure development,” said Meas Soksensan, spokesperson for the finance ministry.
Notably, China signed no new loans to Cambodia last year—a sharp shift from previous years—as Beijing tightened overseas investments amid economic challenges and scrutiny of underperforming projects.
The two countries maintain a strong diplomatic relationship, calling each other "ironclad friends," despite recent controversies over scam centers in Cambodia operated by Chinese gangs. In a move aligned with Xi’s arrival, Cambodia deported several Chinese nationals, including individuals from Taiwan, sparking criticism from Taipei.
Earlier this month, China and Cambodia conducted joint military drills at a coastal base, raising U.S. concerns over potential military expansion.
