A Cambodian government official and scholars on Tuesday criticized the United States for sending a warship near artificial islands held by China in the South China Sea, saying the move would stir regional tensions.
Phay Siphan, spokesperson for Cambodia's Council of Ministers, said the US is flexing its muscles and creating more tension in the area. "The US is not an involved party in this issue, so it should distance itself from this matter," he told Xinhua. "We urge all parties concerned to exercise the utmost constraint to avoid any confrontation."
Chheang Vannarith, chair of the Cambodian Institute for Strategic Studies, said the US is testing China's behavior and reaction to the move. "The US aims to challenge and delegitimize China's claims in the South China Sea, particularly China's artificial island construction," he told Xinhua.
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