China's Xi Jinping in Cambodia amid Trump trade tensions

China's President Xi Jinping arrived in Cambodia on Thursday, as the Chinese leader bolsters ties with regional allies amid a trade threat from US President Donald Trump's administration. 

What's on the agenda for Xi's visit? 

Xi was greeted by Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni upon his arrival in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh.

Xi's presence was met with fanfare after he got off the Air China plane, with people waving Cambodian and Chinese flags and holding portrait photos of the two leaders.  

China has urged Cambodia to reject external forces intervening its affairs, in a possible reference to the US Image: STR/AFP/Getty Images

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is expected to hold talks with Xi later in the day. The two countries are celebrating 67 years of diplomatic ties. 

Cambodia is a key ally for China in Southeast Asia. The two countries have close political ties, with China investing billions of dollars in Cambodian infrastructure such as roads and airports. 

In an article put out by Cambodian media, Xi urged Cambodia to reject "hegemonism" and "protectionism."

China, Cambodia face massive tensions with Trump 

Both China and Cambodia face massive trade tensions with the US. 

Trump has imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, whereas Beijing put 125% on US goods in retaliation. The tariffs have put a massive trade barrier between the world's two largest economies, with Trump urging China to make a deal. 

The US president had also implemented a 49% tariffs on Cambodian goods, before suspending this policy for 90 days and instead imposing a 10% "baseline" tariff  on the country's products in the meantime. 

Earlier in the week, Xi also visited Malaysia and Vietnam as China seeks to deepen its influence in the Southeast Asia region.

Edited by: Zac Crellin