AID POLICY: Will pressure make Chinese aid more transparent?

“The culture is about face-saving: give them respect and they will be more open to listening.” (Photo: Philip Jägenstedt/Flickr)

Unfavourable attention may have prompted China to become more public about its aid policy, said Wang. “The Chinese government does care about its international image and the international media.”

LONDON, 26 March 2012 (IRIN) - Critics have long characterized China as a secretive donor in economically poor but resource-rich countries, funding infrastructure construction in an unspoken bid for business deals and access to natural wealth and land. While China disburses aid with a scant paper trail, analysts say strong-arming its government to boost transparency - and aid efficacy - may hurt countries in need.

In Southeast Asia, Chinese-funded projects have become ubiquitous in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, countries once passed over by traditional donors.

In river-rich Laos, a government development plan calls for 55 new dams to generate hydroelectric power, many of them funded by Chinese state-owned companies. Laotian media reported that China’s government recently signed five agreements pledging more than US$30 million to build government offices.

Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Hun Sen, inaugurated one of the largest Chinese construction projects in the country in December 2011, a dam in fertile Kampot Province in the southeast. This project comes on top of $1.2 billion the Chinese government pledged to Laos in 2010 - more than any other bilateral or multilateral donor.

Officials also welcomed Chinese aid in August 2011, when the World Bank suspended new loans to the country after finding that a Bank-financed land-titling project failed to secure property rights for residents facing eviction.

Cambodian leaders - including the prime minister - have repeatedly stated they are not worried about losing World Bank loans (which currently total $131 million) because they prefer “no strings” Chinese aid.

Sacrava's Political Cartoon: One-China

Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)

Taiwanese Companies Seek Cambodian Partners [-In spite of his support for one-China policy, Hun Sen can't refuse Taiwanese investment]

By Pich Samnang, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
11 June 2009

Twenty-five Taiwanese companies meet with government officials Thursday, to discuss increased investment in the face of Cambodia’s one-China policy.

Taiwan has no diplomatic relations with Cambodia, but officials say they welcome its investors.

Dim-Han Chen, managing director of Shie-Dim Machinery Co., Ltd., a machine manufacturer, told VOA Khmer at Thursday’s Taiwanese Trade Forum in Phnom Penh that his company was eyeing the Cambodian market because of its potential in the textile sector.

“There’s been so many garment factories,” he said. “That’s why I’m here, wanting to find a chance and wanting to find a market here because there is no fabric factory here.”

“We want to see the investment environment and see how to run a business here,” said Horace Huang, vice general manager for Taiwan Modern Dyestuffs and Pigments Co., Ltd.

The arrival of the Taiwanese business representatives follows increasingly better relations between mainland China and Taiwan. Taiwan has in the past sought independence from China, which considers it a rogue province.

Cambodia has declared its support for a “one-China” policy and has not allowed a Taiwanese embassy or representative since the closure of its office in July 1997, shortly after the coup.

However, Prime Minister Hun Sen has been quick to accept Taiwanese investment.

Keo Nimet, international relations manager at the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, who is working to attract more Taiwanese investors, said at the forum that statistics on Taiwanese investment in the kingdom is not reliably available, due to the lack of official Taiwanese representation.

He added, however, that if Cambodia can get more Taiwanese investors, the value could reach as much as neighboring countries like Vietnam, which sees $20 billion in Taiwanese investment.

King-Father: Tibet is included in the One China Policy ... One China Policy Redux?!?

Khmer Hero King supports One China Policy

22 March 2008
By Kesor Raniya Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Cambodia former monarch, King Norodom Sihanouk, said that he supports the One China Policy, and that Tibet cannot be separated from China at all. The ex-king also condemned all attempts to separate Tibet or any other region from China.

The Hero King who is currently undergoing medical treatment in Beijing was quoted by AFP on Friday, as writing a statement declaring his support (for this policy) since the era when he was leading Cambodia in the 50s and 60s.

King-Father indicated that he “always declared that TIBET was an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China.”

The ex-monarch also said that he supported China’s security tightening after the violent demonstrations in Tibet, as well as in other regions of communist China.

Hun Sen held by the leash of "one China policy" ... but it's OK to do business with Taiwan

PM blasts Taiwan for attempt to reopen representative office in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen here on Thursday reiterated his government's rejection to the Taiwan authority's attempt to reopen its representative office in the kingdom.

"Don't dream to reopen Taiwan's representative office in Cambodia while I am in power," he told a conference of the Interior Ministry.

Middle men said that the Cambodian women currently living in Taiwan can get their stay legalized, if the Cambodian government allows the Taiwan authority to reopen its representative office in the kingdom, said Hun Sen.

"If I sign (the documents) to reopen Taiwan's representative office, I will get millions of dollars into my pocket from the middle men," he said, adding "we can't sign to reopen this, (because) we have to respect the territorial sovereignty of the People's Republic of China and it is part of the foreign policy of our government."

"We can't allow any province to separate and become independent from Cambodia," he said.

"We can do business with Taiwan but we don't allow it to reopen its representative office here. Even their planes landing here can't use their (so-called national) flag," he said.

Currently, he said, over half of the 2,500 Cambodian women living in Taiwan don't possess legal identity or official approval, after they were cheated to go there to find work and marry Taiwanese.

And some of them were even sold to brothels to work as prostitutes, he said.

"We will work with NGOs and civil societies to help them," he added.

The Taiwan authority's representative office in Cambodia was closed in 1975, but business exchange has kept on going ever since.

Businesspeople established the Taiwan Commercial Association in Cambodia in 1996 as a civilian organization, which now has more than a hundred members.

Cambodian leaders meet with Chinese FM

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni (R) shakes hands with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi during their meeting in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Feb. 1, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)
China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (R) shakes hands with Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affair in Phnom Penh February 1, 2008. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Prime Minister Hun Sen and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hor Namhong here on Friday separately met with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on bilateral ties and cooperation.

Sihamoni reviewed the friendly cooperation and relations between the two countries, praised the achievements that China has scored, appreciated the help that China has extended to Cambodia and stressed the kingdom's adherence to the One-China Policy.

Yang told the king that China will deepen its friendly ties and cooperation with Cambodia in various fields and expressed his appreciation for the contributions that the royal family has done for the bilateral ties.

Hun Sen said that the bilateral cooperation between China and Cambodia has born rich fruits, China's support has helped Cambodia improve its capability of independent development and the development of China is providing golden opportunities for the region.

Yang told the prime minister that the relations between China and Cambodia are stepping into a new era after years of exchange and cooperation. China highly appreciated Cambodia's adherence to the One-China Policy and expects to push the overall cooperative partnership between China and Cambodia to a higher level.

Meanwhile, Hor Namhong and Yang during their meeting reached four consensus to upgrade the bilateral ties and cooperation, namely maintenance of high-level exchanges and celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between both countries; expansion of economic and trade cooperation; improvement of exchange and cooperation in the fields of diplomacy, culture, sports, health and tourism; more coordination in regional and global issues.

Yang arrived here on Thursday afternoon for a three-day official visit at the invitation of Hor Namhong.

This has been Yang's first visit to Cambodia since he became foreign minister in 2007.

Cambodia is the first stop of Yang's regional tour, which also includes Brunei and Australia.

For a fistful of Yuans: We respect the sovereignty of our "friends" ... even though we used to call them "evil" in the past

September 06, 2007
Cambodia's ruling party reiterates support for one-China policy

The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) on Wednesday in Phnom Penh issued a statement to reiterate its adherence to the one-China policy and said no to the Taiwan authority's efforts to re-open its representative office in Cambodia.

"For the last many years, we have noticed that there were many efforts by Taiwan to re-open its representative office in Cambodia. All these efforts didn't effect, because the Royal Government of Cambodia, which is led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, has always strictly respected the one-China policy and CPP also adheres to the same stance," said the statement.

CPP's stance is based on the principle of sovereignty, said the statement, adding that "we respect the sovereignty of our friends, our friends will also respect our sovereignty. The respect of our friends' sovereignty is as precious as the respect of our own sovereignty."

The principle of one-China policy can't be discussed, bargained and exchanged and it is the principle that we can't walk back from, it said.

"CPP would like to reiterate the stance that we accept the one-China policy only. We only recognize the People's Republic of China, which has official diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Cambodia and wide-ranging relations in other sectors," it said.

While CPP is still in power, Cambodia will strictly respect the one-China policy and will not allow any presence of representative office of Taiwan in Cambodia, it said.

"We can only accept the presence of Taiwanese business people and investors in their private capacities," it added.

Source: Xinhua

From "the evil China" to only in the "One China Policy" we trust: CPP

Chea Sim rejects Taiwan diplomatic representation in Cambodia

05-09-2007
By Kong Sothanarith
Cambodge Soir
Translated from French by Luc Sâr

The CPP boss today reaffirms his support for the “One China Policy.”

Today, the CPP reaffirmed that it would not allow “that a representative office of Taiwan sees the daylight in Cambodia as long as he is in power.” “The One China Policy which we adhere to, is not negotiable, nor can it be sold. It’s a policy that we cannot revisit. We only accept individual Taiwanese businessmen and investors. The CPP reaffirms its position: we recognize One China only, the People’s Republic of China, with which we maintain tight relationships. As long as the CPP holds power, there will be no representative office of Taiwan in Cambodia,” Chea Sim, the CPP boss, insisted. In a televised communiqué, Chea Sim stressed that the CPP noted “that there will always be attempts made to set up this (Taiwan representation) office in the kingdom, and this since several years ago.” Without criticizing directly this position (by the CPP), opposition leader Sam Rainsy is pointing to neighboring countries as example to the CPP: “in Thailand and in Vietnam, the Taiwanese were able to open representation offices.” “This is not only a political issue. We must also take into consideration the economic interest of our citizens,” Sam Rainsy indicated outside of the plenary session of the National Assembly. Cambodia recently declared that it would not support Taiwan’s attempt to obtain a UN seat. China said that it stands ready to take military action if Taiwan were to declare its autonomy one day.

Heng Samrin meets Wu Bangguo during kowtow visit to China

August 29, 2007
Chinese top legislator meets Cambodian parliament leader

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress(NPC), met in Beijing on Wednesday with Heng Samrin, president of the Cambodian National Assembly.

Wu said Sino-Cambodian relations have made new progress in the recent years as the two countries maintained frequent exchange of visits and strengthened political trust.

He said Chinese government would like to upgrade the comprehensive and cooperative partnership with Cambodia.

Wu also expressed appreciation for the support of Cambodia on the Taiwan issue and other issues concerning China's sovereignty and core interest.

Heng Samrin reaffirmed Cambodia will always adhere to the one-China policy.

The two leaders agreed to push forward the exchanges between the special committees, working groups of friendship and other organs in the parliaments, and enhance the legislative cooperation.

Wu and Heng Samrin signed a document on cooperation between the NPC and the Cambodian National Assembly after meeting.

Source: Xinhua

Taiwanese airline increases Cambodian flights [-The one-dollar-gain policy is much more attractive than the one-China-policy]

Aug 27, 2007
DPA

Phnom Penh - Taiwan-based airline Eva Air became the latest airline to increase its Cambodian flights, a local company spokesman said Monday.

Eva Air has increased its Phnom Penh to Taipei flights using its MD-90 planes to 12 per week, up from seven, after first trying to cope with trade at 10 flights per week, a spokesman for the airline in Phnom Penh said.

He said the airline, listed on the Taiwan Futures Exchange since 2001, is capitalising on the popularity of its new Boeing 777-300ER fleet, which transports passengers from Taipei to the US.

'Although 20 per cent of our passengers are Taiwanese on business or holiday, the majority are Cambodians transferring in Taipei to fly on to the US,' the spokesman said by telephone.

He said the increase in flights had occurred in peak season, but at this stage the airline was looking to maintain the additional flights, with two flights a day leaving the capital five days a week.

Although it staunchly supports a One China policy, Cambodia has also adopted an 'open skies' policy regarding airlines which can utilize its two major international airports, leading to a massive increase in the country's air traffic in recent years.

Beijing Said Ordering Phnom Penh To Help Block Taiwan's UN Membership Bid

Beijing Orders the Cambodioan Government To Help Block Taipei's Moves

28 Jul 07 - 29 Jul 07
By Den Surin
Moneakseka Khmer
Translated from Khmer and posted online

Fearing that Taiwan would declare independence and become a UN member, Beijing has ordered the Cambodian Government to help block Taipei's recent moves. Beijing wants Taiwan to remain an integral part of China. It does not want Taiwan to be an independent state or a member of the United Nations. This is because Beijing wants to muster force to control all of Asia and enter into a global competition because in Asia nowadays China has to face many countries, such as Korea, Japan, and the Middle East. For this reason, China wants to have a single force and does not accept two or three Chinas or a splintered China.

Recently, Taiwan organized a referendum to see whether the Taiwanese people want to be independent of Beijing or want to be its satellite. However, this plebiscite was disturbed by Beijing because Beijing threatened to use military force against Taiwan under a certain pretext. Now, Taipei asked its citizens to hold another referendum and it would submit the Taiwanese people's decision to the United Nations in a move to ask the world body to accept it as a member.

Seeing this, Beijing has told the Cambodian Government to oppose Taiwan's intention to become a country independent from China. Beijing sent its female diplomat, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Mrs. Zhang Jinfeng, to meet with Cambodian Foreign Minister Hor Namhong and urge him to help politicking on the international stage in a bid to block Taipei's policy because it did not want Taiwan to achieve independence.

Beijing has threatened that an independent Taiwan could pose a danger to peace, stability, and security in the region because Beijing might use military force against Taipei's stance. Beijing called Taipei's policy of organizing a referendum on Taiwan's independence a new trick of the enemy. However, some diplomats have claimed that Taipei's stance was correct because a plebiscite is democratic since the decision comes directly from the people. Therefore, if the entire people of Taiwan opt for independence, Beijing must respect the decision of the Taiwanese people.

A Foreign Ministry official said that in the meeting between Hor Namhong and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Mrs. Zhang Jinfeng, Hor Namhong told the latter that Cambodia holds that there is only one China and the Foreign Ministry will advise Cambodia's ambassador to the United Nations to help prevent any move by Taiwan to demand independence from Beijing. Hor Namhong also informed Mrs. Zhang Jinfeng that when he meets in Asia he will also tell ASEAN to help block Taipei's policy of demanding independence from Beijing.

According to a Phnom Penh-based Asian diplomat, Cambodia is not the only country to be told by Beijing to help prevent Taiwan from winning UN recognition and to recognize only one China. This Asian diplomat said that Beijing also asked the same thing from Vietnam, Thailand, and other ASEAN members. But some countries did not pay any attention to this Chinese policy, such as Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Vietnam used to be a Chinese satellite and it also used to double-cross China by siding with the Soviet Union. Now that Beijing begged Hanoi for help, Hanoi remained silent. This is because Hanoi does not want to hurt its economic interests with Taipei and other countries involved. However, not only did Cambodia whose rulers were subservient to Beijing accept the Chinese request in a bilateral meeting but it even overtly promised to help conduct political diplomacy for Beijing's sake.

The same Asian diplomat said that Beijing's policy is one that does not help anyone openly, except the Khmer Rouge. Beijing helped the Khmer Rouge without reserve. With the rest, it would not reach out, always abstaining. For example, China remains mute even regarding Thailand's open opposition to any move to have UNESCO classify Preah Vihear temple among the world heritage sites.

The same diplomat said that although presently the whole world sees that Cambodia is under China's protection, but if Cambodia has problems with any country one should not expect Beijing to overtly and unreservedly come to Cambodia's rescue. Maybe it would help Cambodia, but only very secretively, because China is afraid of hurting its own interests. On the contrary, whenever China gives it orders, Cambodia would jump to the occasion and would do anything for China, not just inside Cambodia but also on the international stage.

Phnom Penh kowtowing to the will of The "communist" Middle Kingdom

Cambodia Reasserts One-China Position

Heng Reaksmey, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
25 July 2007

Cambodia will adhere to its one-China policy, continuing to oppose any move by Taiwan for independence or UN recognition, foreign affairs officials said Wednesday.

Foreign Affairs Minister Hor Namhong said in a statement that Cambodia's UN ambassador should seek to oppose Taiwan's moves for recognition, following a meeting between the minister and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jinfeng.

The UN Monday denied a Taiwanese request for recognition, maintaining that Beijing is the only representative of China.

Cambodia will also raise the issue at the next meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Hor Namhong said, as Taiwan's continued insistence to be independent of China destabilizes the region.

China considers Taiwan a renegade province, and Cambodia supports the Chinese position. China is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

A 1971 resolution recognizing Beijing over Taipei prevents Taiwan's membership into the world body, the UN office of legal affairs said, according to the Associated Press.

President Chen Shui Bian has vowed to continue to push for UN recognition.

Hun Sen's regime sold out to the People's Republic of China in order to obtain aids and donations

July 25, 2007
Cambodian government firmly opposes Taiwan authority's "trick" to join UN

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hor Namhong here on Wednesday expresses firm opposition against the Taiwan authority's "trick" to join the United Nations under the name of Taiwan.

He made these remarks while meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Zhang Jinfeng at his ministry, according to a press release issued by the ministry.

Hor Namhong reiterated the Cambodian government's consistent stance of supporting the one-China policy and its firm opposition of the Taiwan authority over its bid to join UN.

In addition, he said, the recent activities by the authority of Taiwan to organize referendum to join UN under the name of Taiwan are just another serious step to seek "de jure Taiwan independence, " which will absolutely not succeed.

The Cambodian government will stick to its consistent and firm stance and will oppose Taiwan to join UN, he said.

"There is only one China in the world, namely the People's Republic of China, and Taiwan is an integral part of China," he said.

According to Resolution 2758 of the UN General Assembly in 1971, China resumed its seat in UN, which is a globally recognized fact, he added.

On Monday, a spokesperson for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that the UN Office of Legal Affairs had rejected the application for UN membership by Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian.

Source: Xinhua