Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Cambodia for a three-day official visit to strengthen ties with Beijing's closest ally in Southeast Asia. This visit marked the final stop on his regional tour, which also included Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
China plays a significant role in Cambodia's economy, with over 40% of the country's $10 billion foreign debt owed to China. Chinese-funded projects in Cambodia range from infrastructure developments like airports and roads to private ventures such as hotels, casinos, and property development.
During his visit, Wang held meetings with Prime Minister Hun Manet, President of the Senate Hun Sen, and had a royal audience with King Norodom Sihamoni. The Cambodian leadership has maintained a pro-Beijing foreign policy, aligning with China on various international issues.
One of the controversial projects is the Funan Techo Canal, a 180-kilometer long waterway connecting Phnom Penh to the Gulf of Thailand. This project has raised concerns in neighboring Vietnam, with fears that it could facilitate Chinese military movements towards Vietnam's southern coast.
Another contentious project is the Ream Naval Base on the Gulf of Thailand, which some view as a strategic outpost for China's navy. Despite reports of a potential agreement allowing China to use the base, Cambodian officials have denied such claims, emphasizing their constitution's prohibition of foreign military bases on their soil.
The United States has urged transparency regarding these projects, emphasizing the importance of regional water management, agricultural sustainability, and security. However, Cambodian officials remain committed to moving forward with these initiatives, citing the benefits they would bring to the country.
China's involvement in these projects reflects its expanding influence in Cambodia and the broader Southeast Asian region, raising geopolitical concerns among Western nations and neighboring countries.
