by Mao Pengfei, Nguon Sovan

PHNOM PENH, March 3 (Xinhua) -- As the world's second-largest economy and a current locomotive for global growth, China has set a "role model" for other countries in its opening-up and anti-corruption drive, a Cambodian scholar said ahead of China's annual "Two Sessions".

China's reform and opening-up over the past 40 years are not only a boon to the Chinese people, but also an engine for the world's growth, said Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute of the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

"China's successful model of economic development should be a role model for other countries including Cambodia as it helps determine a clear political line for the country's development, expanding the country's influence and enhancing the country's role in regional and global frameworks," Phea said.

"China is currently a locomotive for global growth, and its reform and opening-up policy has led China to become the world's second-largest economy," he said.

Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has gained a "higher prestige" on the world stage over the past five years, and has been playing a "more important role" in the region and the rest of the world, according to the scholar.

In terms of anti-corruption, a number of corrupt officials have been brought to justice with high efficiency, which clearly reflects China's unwavering and strong political will in fighting corruption, he said.

Commenting on the proposed inclusion of "building a community with a shared future for humanity" in the constitution during the upcoming "Two Sessions", Phea said it shows China's commitment to building a world of shared future and development.

"China sees all countries in the world as friends and it wants a world of shared peace, stability and development," he said. "With this proposal, it will create a closer relationship between China and its neighbors in all aspects, particularly politics, economics and culture."

For the upcoming "Two Sessions", Phea said he would focus on topics about the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, adding that it is crucial to build a trade, investment, and infrastructure network connecting China with other countries in Asia, Europe and Africa.

On China-Cambodia relations, he said thanks to the strong commitment made by leaders of the two countries, "bilateral ties have reached the highest-ever level in the 60-year history of the China-Cambodia diplomatic relations."

Looking into the future, he said the ties would be closer, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative framework.