(Phnom Penh): According to a clarification seen by Fresh News on Tuesday (Jan. 27), in response to media enquiries regarding the legal proceedings and deportation of Chen Zhi, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to clarify the following:

Cambodia’s decision to deport Chen Zhi to China as his original country was made in full accordance with the law and Cambodia’s commitment to the mutual legal assistance and legal cooperation.

With regard to the revocation of Chen Zhi’s Cambodian citizenship, this action followed strict adherence to the Law on the Amendment to the Law on Nationality (dated 5 September 2025), specifically under new article 29 (4), and Sub-decree on the Implementation of the Law on Nationality (dated 1 December 2025) at article 52 (4). Based on these two articles, the revocation of Khmer nationality from a naturalized citizen shall be carried out if the individual is found to have obtained Khmer nationality through forgery or by providing false information during the application process.

The deportation was a sovereign decision based on the discovery of an irregularly obtained nationality. This demonstrates the Cambodian government’s commitment to the rule of law. It is indeed a standard legal procedure and should not be subjected to unfounded misinterpretations.

Cambodia’s system of checks and balances remains robust. The transfer of individuals within a legal framework is a formal matter of mutual legal assistance, judicial cooperation and reflects the Cambodian government’s accountability to its own laws and international obligations.

Such decisive legal actions underscore Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to international cooperation in maintaining peace, stability, and socio-economic development, while effectively combating transnational crimes.
=FRESH NEWS