A Change of Guard

សូមស្តាប់វិទ្យុសង្គ្រោះជាតិ Please read more Khmer news and listen to CNRP Radio at National Rescue Party. សូមស្តាប់វីទ្យុខ្មែរប៉ុស្តិ៍/Khmer Post Radio.
Follow Khmerization on Facebook/តាមដានខ្មែរូបនីយកម្មតាម Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khmerization.khmerican

Tuesday, 15 September 2009

China becomes Cambodia's biggest development partner: PM


PHNOM PENH, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (pictured) said on Monday that China became a biggest development partner that has assisted to build Cambodia's infrastructure.

"China is a big country but they always respected us the small one. China has always followed our decision for constructing the infrastructure in Cambodia. That is the greatest value for us," he said while attending the closing ceremony of the Prek Kdam Bridge which is under preferential buyer's credit loan from China.

"I have always told Chinese leadership that the assistance from China not only helps economic and social development in Cambodia but also helps Cambodia to strengthen the independence of Cambodian politics," he added.

He pointed out that "the good cooperation and relationship between the two countries also got the in-heritage from former king father Preah Norodom Sihanouk because former king exercised one china policy in years and I myself has been continuing to do it."

China has a special habit, he noted, which is that Chinese speak less but do a lot and it is good point, adding that "I could work with Chinese leaders. China always keeps quiet but they offered the assistance for us and do more for us, and their assistance is without conditions."

He also highlighted that he has worked with three Chinese prime ministers including Li Peng and Zhu Rongji and has been continuing to work with Prime Miniter Wen Jinbao. Moreover, he said "Chinese leaders' language are easy to understand because Chinese side has always said that assistance from them focus on the infrastructure projects on economic development effectively and helps poverty reduction in the country."

"I also thanked Chinese side that they considered me as their old friend. We have confidence each other in cooperation between the two countries," he said.

"We all thanked Chinese government and their people for their efforts which have contributed to develop Cambodia's infrastructure." He asked the Chinese ambassador who are in the presence to convey his words to the Chinese side.
Editor: Mu Xuequan

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is a pity that we are not give the details of how China has helped Cambodia. Have they given loans or grants, technical assistance or training?

To think that any assistance from any country is without strings attached is extremely naive. I would guess that the 'conditions' referred to by the PM are those related to human rights, environmental policies, land rights and economic activities within the country. It is not surprising that the government is happy to have a partner that does not raise such awkward issues. Would you therefore say that the Chinese have the interests of Cambodians at heart when it comes to their assistance or could the Chinese have more selfish motives for offering assistance?

Anonymous said...

I don't think China will help Cambodia for free. What are the deals behind the closed doors?

Anonymous said...

I hate to remind people about who was the sponsor of Khmer Rouge, but what choice do Cambodia got. Just like any big bad-asses of the world, their vibes tend to attract a weaker nations. Cambodia choice to be a closer partner with China deserve an applause by my standard. Cambodia's history with China tends to be favorable. Cambodia and China can be mutually benificial, economically and possibly militarily. Cambodia greatest threat are neighbors to the east and west. To have China on Cambodia side would give those two second thoughts. On the contrary, Cambodia should keep away from China's political influence.