Cambodia and China sign security deal

Khmer Times
Ven Rathavong

Sar Kheng (R) and Zhao Kezhi (C) inspect the equipment donated by China’s Ministry of Public Security. KT/ Ven Rathavong

Cambodia’s Interior Ministry and China’s Ministry of Public Security have agreed to boost their cooperation in the fields of counter-terrorism and combatting cybercrime.

After the meeting between Interior Minister Sar Kheng and China’s Minister of Public Security Zhao Kezhi signed a Memorandum of Understanding on fighting terrorism and cybercrimes on Friday, May 11. They also spoke about further cooperation in matters of law enforcement and internal security.

Minister Kheng informed his counterpart about the crackdowns on Chinese nationals running VOIP scams in Cambodia. From 2011 to 2017, 1,133 Chinese nationals (222 of them women) were deported for cybercrime offences.

After the MoU was inked, Mr Kezhi handed over equipment China donates to the police: body armour, riot shields, repeater systems and walkie-talkies.

Phat Phanith, director of the International Relations Department, said that both countries already work together to fight transnational crimes, human trafficking, VOIP scams, and cybercrime, and China will provide training course for the police to enhance their effectiveness in maintaining public security.

Mr Kezhi also met with Prime Minister Hun Sen and General Hing Bun Heang, the commander of the PM’s Bodyguard Unit.