On December 18, 2021, the Cambodian National Stadium (Dejo National Stadium) built with the aid of the Chinese government was officially opened. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian, and more than 10,000 people attended the opening ceremony.

Hun Sen expressed his gratitude to the Dezo National Stadium assisted by China and was proud of another fruitful result of the friendly relations between Cambodia and China. Hun Sen said that Cambodia has made this great achievement today. What is even greater and unmeasurable is the spiritual strength provided by the Chinese leaders and the Chinese people to the Cambodian people. While the Chinese friends have provided support for the strengthening of Cambodia’s independence and sovereignty, they have also contributed to strengthening Cambodia’s independence and sovereignty. Social and economic development has also given encouragement.

Hun Sen said that the exchanges between "China Steel Friends" and Cambodia have always been based on mutual trust, respect and unity. The political mutual trust and respect for sovereign independence between the two sides are also the basis for Cambodia and China to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership. No one can destroy this "steel friendship". Hun Sen also hopes that other countries will not put pressure on Cambodia because of the close relationship between Cambodia and China.

Hun Sen said that China's assistance not only helped Cambodia develop its social economy, but also played an important role in strengthening Cambodia's political independence and sovereignty. The Dezo National Stadium was provided by China to Cambodia with 3 designs and selected by the Cambodian side.

The new national stadium project covers an area of about 16.22 hectares, with a total construction area of 82,400 square meters. It is a super large stadium that can accommodate 60,000 spectators. It is equipped with hotels, sports clothing stores, equipment stores and other facilities. It can hold intercontinental games and Large-scale international football matches, as well as large-scale events such as national ceremonies, will be used as the main stadium for the 2023 Southeast Asian Games. At the same time, it is the largest and highest-level stadium built by the Chinese government so far, and it is the fruit of cooperation under the framework of China-Cambodia co-construction of the “Belt and Road”.

It is reported that the design of the stadium was personally selected by Prime Minister Hun Sen of the Royal Government of Cambodia. The overall shape resembles a sailing boat, symbolizing the long-standing traditional friendship between Cambodia and China. With a simple and modern design, traditional elements such as Cambodian Namaste and the roof of ancient buildings are integrated into the 99-meter-high herringbone towers at both ends of the stadium. The building is magnificent and graceful. The two goulash columns dominate the north and the south, and the thirty-six long strings are accompanied by the moon. Like two huge harps, they are independent, light and agile, shining in the sunshine of the Indochina Peninsula. It is like a golden boat riding in the sparkling water of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Editor/He Yuting