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	China mourns Sihanouk The Chinese government Monday mourned the death of former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk, who was described as "an old friend of the Chinese people" and spent his last days in Beijing, which he regarded as his second home.
Int'l society mourns passing away of ex-Cambodian king UN chief mourns passing away of Cambodia's former King Chinese vice president expresses condolence to Cambodia's former queen Cambodia expresses grieves at the death of King-Father Norodom Sihanouk Cambodian King, PM fly to Beijing to retrieve King-Father's body
Chinese leaders express sympathy to Cambodian Queen Mother
Cambodian former King Norodom Sinahouk dies at age of 90

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Norodom Sihanouk	Born: Oct. 31, 1922 Died: Oct. 15, 2012 (aged 90) Reign: King of Cambodia (1st Term): April 25, 1941 – March 2, 1955 King of Cambodia (2nd Term): Sep. 24, 1993 – Oct. 7, 2004 More

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Sihanouk shaped Sino-Cambodian ties

For the majority of Cambodians, the death of former king Norodom Sihanouk on October 15 was the loss of a great national father who dedicated his life for the sake of his country and his people. They revere his long dedication to his country and his legacy as a unifying national leader.

Sihanouk reminds China of shared stand
China's acceptance of Sihanouk was made in consideration of the national interest; however, it also shined with the brilliance of morality. This action left a deep impression on Southeast Asian countries and Third World countries.

The former King played an important role in the relationship between Cambodia and China. I personally think that the policy of Cambodia on the relationship between the two countries will not be changed (following the death of Sihanouk).------Nguon Serath, editor-in-chief of the Phnom Penh-based Rasmei Kampuchea newspaper, told the Global Times in an email

After Cambodia severed ties with the US, China forged closer relations with Cambodia, partly out of strategic concerns. The relationship between China and Cambodia shows how a big power like China won a true friend by dealing with its small neighbor with sincerity.------Ji Qiufeng, a professor of international relations at Nanjing University

It was also a result of the late Premier Zhou's diplomatic skills, which were emotional. However, it was hard to duplicate the model of China-Cambodia ties, though China's diplomacy has always placed great value on human interests. ------Gao Fei, a professor with the Department of Diplomacy at the China Foreign Affairs University

Ties with China

Norodom Sihanouk's ties with China

In August 1958, Sihanouk led a delegation to China. He visited Tianjin and three northeastern provinces and Hebei accompanied by then Premier, Zhou Enlai.

In April 1960, Sihanouk's father, King Norodom Suramarit died. Premier Zhou Enlai left for Phnom Pehn and expressed condolences over Suramarit's death.

In December 1960, Sihanouk, in his capacity as head of state, paid a visit to Beijing with his wife, Princess Monineath. The two sides signed the Sino-Cambodia Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Non-Aggression.

On March 19, 1970, while Sihanouk was out of the country travelling, Prime Minister Lon Nol staged a coup, deposing Sihanouk as head of state.

Premier Zhou Enlai welcomed Sihanouk in exile to China and said the Chinese government would never acknowledge the Lon Nol government.

On April 17, 1975, Lon Nol stepped down and Sihanouk was allowed back into the country that August. Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai asked Deng Xiaoping and Ye Jianying to see Sihanouk and his family members off.

On April 30, 1999, Sihanouk and his wife attended the opening ceremony for China's Kunming International Gardening Expo.

He also attended the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

On October 1, 2009, Sihanouk and his wife attended the National Day reception to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and the ceremonial parade.

Source: CNTV

Norodom Sihanouk (middle), Chairman Mao Zedong (left) and Zhou Enlai	Norodom Sihanouk and Zhou Enlai (left)	Norodom Sihanouk and Deng Xiaoping (right)
Former president Jiang Zemin (left) and Norodom Sihanouk	Premier Wen Jiabao (left) and Norodom Sihanouk	Norodom Sihanouk and President Hu Jintao (right)

Photos: Agencies

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