Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 9 – Cambodian President of the Senate Samdech Techo Hun Sen, on Tuesday (Apr. 9), gave six points in response to allegation that Techo Funan Canal would further facilitate Chinese troops near Viet Nam border. He wrote on his social media as follows:
“Following a series of slanderous reports about the presence of Chinese troops at the Ream naval base, they now fabricate the story of the Techo Funan Canal, which falsely mentions that the canal will further facilitate the Chinese navy near the Vietnamese border even when the canal is still under construction.
Today I would like to remind friends or non-friends on the following points:
1. Cambodia needs Chinese troops for what?
2. Cambodia and Viet Nam are good neighbours and have good cooperation in all fields.
3. China and Viet Nam have good relations and are comprehensive strategic partners.
4. Why would Cambodia bring Chinese troops into its country, which violates the constitution? And why would China bring its troops to Cambodia, which is contrary to the principle of respect for Cambodia's independence?
5. In addition to Article 53 of the Constitution, which prohibits Cambodia from having foreign military bases on its territory, Article 55 clearly states that any treaty and agreement incompatible with the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, neutrality and national unity of the Kingdom of Cambodia shall be eliminated. This makes it clear that no agreement can be implemented if it is not in line with Cambodia's independence and sovereignty, as the Constitution has already been repealed.
6. The Techo Funan Canal purely serves socio-economic benefit as it provides more waterways to the southwestern Cambodia additional to the existing transport routes along the Mekong River. This vital infrastructure facilitates agricultural activities by providing water for crop cultivation, is good for water management during the rainy season, and increases freshwater fish production, among other benefits.
This canal has no impacts on the flow of the Mekong River as it does not connect directly to the Mekong but rather to the Bassac River. Measures such as sluice gates prevent freshwater from entering the sea, in adherence to the 1995 Mekong Agreement. We follow the 1995 Mekong Agreement. Please ask the Mekong River Commission because we have already informed the Mekong River Commission this agreement.
We call on you not to slander us in order to oppose China in accordance with the geopolitical strategy. We also think of our national interests just as you do, and it does not mean that your brains are better than us. Fortunately, you were born in a rich country and we were born in a poor country. That’s why you look down on us.”
Samdech Techo Hun Sen's clarification came after Radio Free Asia broadcast on 8 April 2024, alleging that the Techo Funan Canal could facilitate a deeper Chinese military presence in Cambodian territory.
=FRESH NEWS
