PHNOM PENH, 16 October 2012 (Cambodia Herald) - Cambodia's support for
China against attempts to regionalise South China Sea disputes reflects
Chinese actions toward the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, a Chinese
newspaper said in a commentary Tuesday.
The former king, who died in Beijing Monday "was one of China's closest friends," the Global Times said. "He reminded us of the close relations between the two countries and provided enlightenment on the future of China's diplomacy."
The newspaper, affiliated with the People's Daily, the official organ of the Communist Party of China, noted that Chinese were more familiar with Sihanouk as the prince who fled to Beijing 42 years ago.
"His government was overthrown by a US-instigated coup in 1970 because of his persistence in adhering to neutral diplomacy, and his refusal to join the US-dominated Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty. China accepted him at his most difficult time," it said.
Referring to observers who question the recent wave of Chinese investment in Cambodia, the newspaper said: "This argument itself is small-minded and populist. These views are totally incompatible with China's fundamental interests.
"Cambodia has supported China against moves by Vietnam and the Philippines to make the South China Sea a topic of discussion at ASEAN meetings. This supportive stance was in large part due to China's actions regarding Sihanouk.
"China's acceptance of Sihanouk was made in consideration of the national interest; however, it also shined with the brilliance of morality. This action left a deep impression on Southeast Asian countries and Third World countries."
The newspaper added that "China has too few friends like Sihanouk" and rarely has the chance to express its values and "common moral principles" with developing countries.
"China is an open country today. But the memory of Sihanouk's time is still meaningful to us. The friendship with him should still be cherished. Now that China is on a much broader diplomatic stage, it is important that China maintains a brave but balanced stance."
The former king, who died in Beijing Monday "was one of China's closest friends," the Global Times said. "He reminded us of the close relations between the two countries and provided enlightenment on the future of China's diplomacy."
The newspaper, affiliated with the People's Daily, the official organ of the Communist Party of China, noted that Chinese were more familiar with Sihanouk as the prince who fled to Beijing 42 years ago.
"His government was overthrown by a US-instigated coup in 1970 because of his persistence in adhering to neutral diplomacy, and his refusal to join the US-dominated Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty. China accepted him at his most difficult time," it said.
Referring to observers who question the recent wave of Chinese investment in Cambodia, the newspaper said: "This argument itself is small-minded and populist. These views are totally incompatible with China's fundamental interests.
"Cambodia has supported China against moves by Vietnam and the Philippines to make the South China Sea a topic of discussion at ASEAN meetings. This supportive stance was in large part due to China's actions regarding Sihanouk.
"China's acceptance of Sihanouk was made in consideration of the national interest; however, it also shined with the brilliance of morality. This action left a deep impression on Southeast Asian countries and Third World countries."
The newspaper added that "China has too few friends like Sihanouk" and rarely has the chance to express its values and "common moral principles" with developing countries.
"China is an open country today. But the memory of Sihanouk's time is still meaningful to us. The friendship with him should still be cherished. Now that China is on a much broader diplomatic stage, it is important that China maintains a brave but balanced stance."
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