China reaffirms its stance to support Cambodia

Tin Sokhavuth



Wang Jiarui, a high ranking official from The Communist Party of China (CPC), during his state visit in Cambodia on Thursday, affirmed that in any circumstance, China is ready to support Cambodia.

"If Cambodia encounters any obstacle, China is behind Cambodia and ready to support Cambodia. Cambodia's success is also China's success, Cambodia's obstacle is also China's obstacle," said Mr. Wang as reported by Fresh News, a local online newspaper.

This affirmation came after the US Government and the European Union (EU) expressed their concern about the arrest of a well-known opposition leader Kem Sokha on Sunday.

As for the US Government, the arrest appears to be «politically motivated», while the EU said that in any case, Mr. Sokha still has his parliamentary immunity. To the EU, the arrest is illegal.

"In view of his parliamentary immunity, we expect the authorities to release Kem Sokha immediately," read the EU Statement.

On Tuesday, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court charged Mr. Sokha for «Espionage» following Article 443 of the Cambodian Penal Code. Mr. Sokha was arrested on Sunday early morning around midnight at his house in Phnom Penh following an alleged video clip posted on the Internet for which Prime Minister Hun Sen has accused him for high treason.

Concerning this issue, an anonymous political analyst said that China's involvement in Cambodian politics has its root since decades ago - China has been supporting the Khmer Rouge for a very long time since the 70s to 1997, while the whole world has condemned the Khmer Rouge for committing genocide against their own people. On the other hand, many intellectuals and scholars said that the "Killing Field" is a copy from the "Cultural Revolution" in China.

However, as of 2017, Cambodia is receiving funding and grants for different development in the country from China more than any other country.

Regarding China's support, Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers, previously said that his government's foreign policy is to be friend with all countries around the world. It is an "Open Sky" policy. Hence the fact that Cambodia is receiving fund from China doesn't mean Cambodia has to be foe with other nations.