Phnom Penh (FN), Jul. 31 – Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen once said in a post on Facebook that the close ties with China he established during the last decade of his 38-year term were "an indestructible historic long-term relationship”. Hun Sen wrote in the post: "Although the cabinet has been reshuffled, the policy on Cambodia-China relations has not changed, which is to always maintain the Cambodia-China friendship."
This was reiterated by Hun Sen to China’s outgoing ambassador to Phnom Penh, Wang Wentian, at the meeting, likening the relationship between the two countries to “steel”. “This relationship has won political trust in both countries,” the former prime minister added. “China’s assistance has not only helped social development, but also strengthened Cambodia’s political independence.”
Recently, the United States has again hyped up China’s control over the China-led expansion of the Ream Naval Base near the Cambodian port city of Sihanoukville. Since the project officially started, it has been closely watched and smeared by the United States. The rapid construction speed reflects the efficiency of China, which is known as the "infrastructure maniac", and also makes the United States more uneasy.
Cambodian authorities have repeatedly refuted these rumors, saying the project aims to enhance Cambodia's national defense capabilities, especially the combat capabilities of the Cambodian Navy, and contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the region. However, the American media used "doubts raised by American officials" as an excuse. Some media even quoted so-called "political analysts" and called on the Cambodian government to be "transparent." What could better highlight the bullying nature of the United States than this?
In contrast, the United States has nearly 800 military bases in more than 80 countries and regions around the world, including military bases in Japan and South Korea, which are located on China's doorstep. Earlier this year, the United States also gained the right to use more military bases in the Philippines. In contrast, China has only one overseas base, the PLA Djibouti Support Base, which supports China's anti-piracy, UN peacekeeping and humanitarian relief missions in the region.
According to Cambodian media reports, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate Speaker Hun Sen held talks with visiting US Secretary of Defense Austin on June 4 local time. Cambodia told Austin not to include the country in Washington's geopolitical strategy, saying that Cambodia is implementing a rules-based foreign policy and does not want to become a place of geopolitical competition.
What we want to say is that China-Cambodia cooperation is open, sincere and can stand the test of time. It is certain that no matter how many small moves there are outside the region, it will be difficult to shake the solid foundation of China-Cambodia cooperation.
=FRESH NEWS
