China Bolsters Cambodia Presence
Critics warn that Cambodia must be careful of its largest donor, which is working in its own interest (16 December 2008)
The millions of dollars in aid announced by China earlierthis month is a clear signal it is building up its economic and politicalpresence in the region, analysts said Tuesday. The $257 million in aid—the largest pledge of any donationmade at an annual meeting earlier this month—“is economically, politically andstrategically for the entire interest of China,” said Lao Monghay, a researcherfor 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 theUnited States.” China has alliances with Russia in terms of energy andmunitions, and it has built strong links with five countries in middle Asiaalong its western border. It enjoys a good relationship with Thailand, Laos andVietnam. In so doing, it has built up support for its policies amongthe countries it helps, Lao Monghay said. Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jin Feng declined to comment, butCambodian People’s Party lawmaker Cheam Yiep said the ruling party has workedto 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 Chineseinvestors 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 aseries of high-level delegations to Cambodia, promising the construction of aSenate building, signing an agreement on security cooperation and pushing forthe exploration of iron ore. Following China’s aid announcement, Cambodia allowed 18hours of radio programming from China, in English, Khmer and Chinese, on itsairwaves, making it the largest program of its kind. Cheam Yiep said the increase in aid was explained by thelong friendship between the two countries and the recognition of Cambodia as aweaker country in need of help. He recognized China was working in its owninterest, he said, “but Cambodia is not stupid.” Finance Minister Keat Chhon, in a Dec. 5 speech, put it thisway: “China is a good neighbor country of Cambodia, and China knows whatCambodia needs.”