Premier Li's visit to Cambodia marks 60 years of China and Cambodia's traditional friendship. The two countries agreed in 2010 to upgrade ties to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation", that's become a model for state-to-state exchanges. Cambodia is a firm supporter of China. It was one of the first countries to recognize China after its modern founding in 1949. It twice opposed strongly worded statements from ASEAN on the South China Sea dispute. And the late King Father Sihanouk maintained close ties with China, living for a long time in Beijing, from where he led Cambodia's independence drive.