Phnom Penh (FN), Dec. 13 – Jean-François Tan, Cambodian Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister, addressed concerns about whether Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet's official visit to Viet Nam aimed to provide comfort to Viet Nam, speaking on 12 December 2023 during a press conference following Samdech Thipadei's return from the official visit.

Jean-François Tan mentioned that a few years ago, some politically motivated individuals labeled the Royal Government as the puppet of Viet Nam. However, this nickname has started to fade away as citizens now understand the geopolitical mechanisms and key factors in the regional and global context. It indicates that Cambodian citizens realize Cambodia is not a puppet of Viet Nam or any other country.

"Nowadays, these political analysts no longer use the term 'puppet,' but they use words like 'comfort’. For example, comforting China or comforting Viet Nam. They make the same allegation that the Royal Government is still a subordinate country,” the minister delegate underscored.

However, Jean-François Tan expressed his belief that these analysts understand the current geopolitical situation. Especially in the context of Cambodia and ASEAN members like Viet Nam, neither is subordinate to any country nor a puppet.

The minister delegate added that when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Viet Nam, the intention was not to provoke conflict but to engage in negotiations to find a peaceful resolution in the rapidly changing geopolitical region.
=FRESH NEWS