The Khmer-language version of "The Classic Quotes by Xi Jinping," a multilingual TV program produced by China Media Group (CMG) that features quotes from ancient Chinese classics referenced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in his speeches and writings, began airing on Cambodian TV on Thursday.
The program, which coincides with President Xi's state visit to the country beginning on Thursday, was launched at a ceremony on the same day.
The program focuses on environmental protection, cultural heritage and innovation, and cross-cultural exchanges. It aims to foster mutual understanding among civilizations.
By presenting these concepts from a global perspective, the show seeks to emphasize the cultural foundation of Chinese modernization, making Chinese culture, wisdom and spirit more accessible and relatable to audiences worldwide.
Cambodian People's Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen sent a congratulatory letter to the program launch, which said that under the guidance and support of the leaders of both Cambodia and China, bilateral relations between the two countries have entered the best period in history.
He expressed the hope that the program will deepen friendship and help promote exchanges, while also providing insights into addressing the global challenges that face all humanity.
Neth Pheaktra, Cambodian Minister of Information, Phoeurng Sackona, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Huot Hak, Cambodian Minister of Tourism, and other Cambodian officials attended the launch event.
Attendees said they hoped the program would inspire people from both countries to share each other's rich and diverse cultures, further enhancing the friendship between Cambodia and China.
Over 20 Cambodian media outlets, including Jian Hua Daily, Agence Kampuchea Presse, National Television of Kampuchea and Fresh News, promoted the program in the week ahead of its broadcast.
Cambodia is the last leg of Xi's current five-day, three-nation Southeast Asia tour, which also included state visits to Vietnam and Malaysia.
CMG program "The Classic Quotes by Xi Jinping" aired on Cambodian TV
Mounting uncertainty over the U.S. tariff policies under President Donald Trump's administration is fueling distress among the farmers of Iowa state, a U.S. state long regarded as the "granary and breadbasket of America," and disrupting the agricultural sector, particularly its soybean industry.
Iowa's agricultural sector is heavily export-dependent, and the U.S. abuse of tariffs has left the state's farmers uncertain about how to plan for the future amid sudden changes in policy direction.
"It has been really difficult, especially with the stress on the market since the announcement of the tariffs. Any unsold soybeans that we have now will sell at a loss. It's what does the next three years look like in this very uncertain environment with different tariff ideas every day, every week. Like how do we plan as a business for that," said farmer Corey Goodhue.
The uncertainty has pushed some farmers to shift to alternative crops like corn, which currently faces fewer trade obstacles. But the switch comes at a cost. Prices for fuel, fertilizer, and other inputs have surged under the broader tariff regime.
Grant Kimberley, a large-scale farm operator and senior director of market development for the Iowa Soybean Association, said costs are rising across the board.
"We don't ever like to see food and agriculture used as a weapon in a trade disagreement because it doesn’t do either country any good," he said.
Data from agricultural equipment manufacturers showed the cost of machinery in the United States rose 18 percent year on year in spring 2025.
The ripple effects of falling farm income are already being felt in the wider community.
"So I think the tariffs have a trickle-down effect. As for the commodity, if the farmers don't make money, then no one else benefits. John Deere ( the world's leading tractor maker) lays off employees, and this situation just works its way through the community. So small businesses are really struggling with it," said Goodhue.
Policy analysts have warned that the longer-term economic damage could extend well beyond the farm belt.
"At this point of time, it has not yet begun to bite because people have already had inventories of these goods at the lower tariff rates. But soon, at some point of time, and it will be soon that the impact will be felt at grocery store counters. We will see areas where the U.S. was very competitive losing its competitiveness, and with other suppliers taking their position," said Sourabh Gupta, senior Asia-Pacific policy specialist at the Institute for China-America Studies.
US tariff policy turmoil threatens Iowa's farmers, disrupting exports
