King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk have travelled to Beijing, China, for their regular health checkups.

In the King’s absence, Senate president Say Chhum will fulfil his role as acting head of state.

Both the King and Queen Mother were seen off at the Phnom Penh International Airport by Say Chhum, Prime Minister Hun Manet, former Prime Minister Hun Sen and other top leaders of the National Assembly as well as Chinese ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian.

Hun Sen, who was officially appointed as president of the Supreme Privy Council to the King on August 22, said this was the first time that the new government leadership had seen off the King and Queen Mother since its inauguration.

“The participation in the royal send-off by Senators, National Assembly members, government leaders and royal dignitaries demonstrates national unity under the Monarch and leadership of the new government,” he wrote in a post on his official Telegram channel.

Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said this was part of regular medical checkups for the King and Queen Mother as prescribed by their doctors in China.

“Even though the visit is a private [matter], we can appreciate the deep and comprehensive relationship between Cambodia and China. The traditional relationship between both countries has been long-standing.

He added that Cambodia and China’s diplomatic relationship is at its strongest phase, as seen in all aspects including politics, economy, trade and strategic cooperation, where both countries are always supporting each other at regional and international forums.