“Nostalgia for China” (ស្រណោះប្រទេស​ចិន; also known as “Missing China”) is a song written, composed and performed by the late king of Cambodia, Prince Norodom Sihanouk (31.10.1922 – 15.10.2012).

In February 1956, Sihanouk, who had been elected Prime Minister of Cambodia less than a year before, visited China for the first time. At the time, the two countries had not yet established diplomatic relations. Cambodia, which had just recently gained independence, was resilient against US pressure, announcing at the Bandung Conference its policy of national independence, neutrality and non-alignment. Sihanouk received a warm reception in China. On behalf of the Chinese government, Premier Zhou Enlai committed to provide unconditional economic and technical assistance to Cambodia.

Two years later, China and Cambodia formally established relations.

In September 1965, Sihanouk visited China once more with his wife. Accompanied by Premier Zhou and Vice Premier Chen Yi, they toured the Chinese landscape. The beautiful scenery of China and the warm reception he received from the people inspired Sihanouk to write the song, “Nostalgia for China”, in expression of his gratitude to the country.

In March 1970, a US-backed coup deposed the Cambodian government and forced Sihanouk into exile. China nevertheless offered Sihanouk refuge in Beijing, where he founded the Cambodian government-in-exile. When Sihanouk offered to repay China for sponsoring the resistance, Mao Zedong replied: “We are not arms dealers.”

Sihanouk later proclaimed at a press conference that “China does not export tanks and soldiers, but dignity and mutual-respect.”

On May 20 of the same year, Sihanouk spoke at the mass rally at Tiananmen Square in support of the people’s resistance movements in Asia, Africa, and Latin America against foreign aggression.

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