Original report from Phnom Penh
16 December 2008
The millions of dollars in aid announced by China earlier this month is a clear signal it is building up its economic and political presence in the region, analysts said Tuesday.
The $257 million in aid—the largest pledge of any donation made at an annual meeting earlier this month—“is economically, politically and strategically for the entire interest of China,” said Lao Monghay, a researcher for the Asian Human Rights Commission.
China’s pledge was larger than Cambodia’s typical top donor, Japan, a traditional ally of the United States, which gave $91 million in 2007.
“China is likely construction ramparts to protects itself” with countries around it, Lao Monghay said. “Except Japan. Japan fits with the United States.”
China has alliances with Russia in terms of energy and munitions, and it has built strong links with five countries in middle Asia along its western border. It enjoys a good relationship with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
In so doing, it has built up support for its policies among the countries it helps, Lao Monghay said.
Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jin Feng declined to comment, but Cambodian People’s Party lawmaker Cheam Yiep said the ruling party has worked to strengthen a relationship that has been good since the 13th Century.
Yim Sovann, a lawmaker for the opposition Sam Rainsy Party, said Cambodia might have given “too many economic concessions” to Chinese investors ahead of the aid announcement.
“We must be careful in enjoying this assistance,” he said.
In the weeks leading up to the aid package, China sent a series of high-level delegations to Cambodia, promising the construction of a Senate building, signing an agreement on security cooperation and pushing for the exploration of iron ore.
Following China’s aid announcement, Cambodia allowed 18 hours of radio programming from China, in English, Khmer and Chinese, on its airwaves, making it the largest program of its kind.
Cheam Yiep said the increase in aid was explained by the long friendship between the two countries and the recognition of Cambodia as a weaker country in need of help. He recognized China was working in its own interest, he said, “but Cambodia is not stupid.”
Finance Minister Keat Chhon, in a Dec. 5 speech, put it this way: “China is a good neighbor country of Cambodia, and China knows what Cambodia needs.”
The $257 million in aid—the largest pledge of any donation made at an annual meeting earlier this month—“is economically, politically and strategically for the entire interest of China,” said Lao Monghay, a researcher for the Asian Human Rights Commission.
China’s pledge was larger than Cambodia’s typical top donor, Japan, a traditional ally of the United States, which gave $91 million in 2007.
“China is likely construction ramparts to protects itself” with countries around it, Lao Monghay said. “Except Japan. Japan fits with the United States.”
China has alliances with Russia in terms of energy and munitions, and it has built strong links with five countries in middle Asia along its western border. It enjoys a good relationship with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
In so doing, it has built up support for its policies among the countries it helps, Lao Monghay said.
Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jin Feng declined to comment, but Cambodian People’s Party lawmaker Cheam Yiep said the ruling party has worked to strengthen a relationship that has been good since the 13th Century.
Yim Sovann, a lawmaker for the opposition Sam Rainsy Party, said Cambodia might have given “too many economic concessions” to Chinese investors ahead of the aid announcement.
“We must be careful in enjoying this assistance,” he said.
In the weeks leading up to the aid package, China sent a series of high-level delegations to Cambodia, promising the construction of a Senate building, signing an agreement on security cooperation and pushing for the exploration of iron ore.
Following China’s aid announcement, Cambodia allowed 18 hours of radio programming from China, in English, Khmer and Chinese, on its airwaves, making it the largest program of its kind.
Cheam Yiep said the increase in aid was explained by the long friendship between the two countries and the recognition of Cambodia as a weaker country in need of help. He recognized China was working in its own interest, he said, “but Cambodia is not stupid.”
Finance Minister Keat Chhon, in a Dec. 5 speech, put it this way: “China is a good neighbor country of Cambodia, and China knows what Cambodia needs.”
7 comments:
I am happy to see move this move of friendship. Khmer need firm support from China, Khmer need someone who understand Khmer better.
I am afraid china will take advantage from khmer
No matter what happens, benefit for the Chinese to take is always there. Why did Ah Yuon slave dog Cheam Yiep say, Cambodia is not stupid? Cambodia is Cambodia. He is the one who’s stupid, not Cambodia.
No gain, no lost!
You khmers study the nature of china aids from Sudan, Burman, Zimbawe and other country. Correct me if I am wrong, those countries have fame for people's rights abuse like in Sudan China suck and pump oil to feed its people. Who China cares about, with good intention? Who are you peopel china cares, without china's interest in hand?
China is not really a true friend. Even Sihanouk as a monarch WILL NEVER REALIZE HIS BIG MISTAKES AND STILL WISH TO DIE IN CHINA.
FUCK AH CHKOUT KING AND OTHER ROYALS TOO.
Hun Sen's gov.t need to treat their governing mentality particuly the negative mindset, attitude and their leadership which largely leave legacy for the country as a whole.
First, Hun Sen must cure himself and his cronies the like from life-long power-holding. The obsession of power believed by Hun Sen and holding the fate of country as his hostage, as well as complicate and deepen the existing problems in Khmer society like: corruption, the mis-conduct by high-ranking officials without punishment (better known as impunity culture), enlarge the house of gov.t and not to mention about useless, inefficient, ignorant civil servants just to waste the national buget and worsen the people's poverty.
-Second Hun sen must realize that he is not destined to rule forever or should he hold the fate of the nation as his hostage(let the country become extinct with his collapse)--that's obsolutely not the leadership styles or legacy that Hun sen should leave the next khmer generation suffer from this ignorant, unpreferable mindset and leadership attitude. So train, offer equal share and let every citizen share their contribution for the country's progress should be the gov.t's agendaS(YET WHAT KHMER SEE AND REALIZE ARE HUN SEN WITH HIS ARROGANCE, PRIDE AND IGNORANCE--LET THE COUNTRY SLIP INTO CASTASTROHPES OR EVEN EXTINCTION).
-Third Hun sen must pave the path for the country's existence and progress after his reign. What is wrong is that he believes he hold the country for his life-long(THAT'S STUPID ABSOLUTELY). Enact Anti-corruption law and demand all his officers obey and implement the laws while Hun sen is still in office. That's will be remembered in history and will last forever, BUT NOT WITH THE NAME AS A TRAITOR OR PUPPET SERVING YOUN OR CHINA'S COUNTRY.
THANK YOU.
P.S: khmers oversea should realize now whether the gov.t has willingness and show real determination and effort to veer the country for positive, lasting progress--or else they must not support the gov.t anymore!!!khmers give the gov.t long long time already and there should be NO MORE TIME WASTED!!!
C'mon guy, you know how china is..nothing free with china!! they gonna suck it...like TREI KHO BOR BOR SAR...you know that!!
Ah jenkantang..
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