News Report: Leverage in Cambodia Key Question for US, EU

David Boyle

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA — Radio Free Asia has joined the ranks of media outlets shuttered under the now almost blanket smothering of an independent press in Cambodia, as U.S. and European diplomatic efforts have failed, so far, to halt the county's descent into authoritarianism ahead of elections next year.

The closure of the U.S.-funded outlet, due to what it called intimidation, represents another escalation in opposition to Washington by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Conciliatory overtones made in a news conference Tuesday by U.S. Ambassador William Heidt have failed to halt the government's campaign to paint Washington as the masterminds of a vast conspiracy involving all major opponents of the government.

"These are extraordinary allegations. The business of diplomacy is normally carried out with careful and respectful language, the kind of language I'm going to use today. Difficult messages are delivered privately first. Friendly nations seek ways to bridge differences," he told reporters.

Two days later, the government mouthpiece Fresh News posted an article declaring the United States "should take a helicopter to transport its citizens from Cambodia, as it did in April 1975."

News Report: 'Bloodthirsty Policies' - US Consecutively Loses Southeast Asian Allies

Following the fall out with the Philippines, the United States now has another sharp critic in Southeast Asia. The authorities of Cambodia have accused the US of "brutal and bloodthirsty" policies and "interference in other’s affairs."

The conflict is linked to aid that Washington is providing to the Cambodian opposition on the eve of the nationwide elections, RIA Novosti contributor Igor Gashkov wrote.

Relations between Cambodia and the United States have been deteriorating rapidly throughout 2017, as the nationwide elections scheduled for June next year are approaching. 

The Cambodian authorities believe that Washington is betting on the opposition, The Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), which enjoys significant support in the cities. The municipal elections held a few months earlier brought success to opponents of the current government. 

News Story: Cambodian parliament president satisfied with Sino-Cambodian ties

PHNOM PENH, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's National Assembly president Samdech Heng Samrin on Wednesday reiterated his satisfaction with the excellent relations and cooperation between Cambodia and China, a spokesman said.

The Cambodian top legislator made the remarks during a meeting here with Wang Guosheng, vice chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress of China, said Keo Piseth, a spokesman for Samrin.

"Samdech (honorific title for Heng Samrin) expressed his satisfaction with the achievements that were born from the strategic relations and cooperation between China and Cambodia," he told reporters after the meeting.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Chinese envoy hails Cambodia's fair position over South China Sea issue

PHNOM PENH, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Bu Jianguo on Tuesday appreciated Cambodia for adhering to a neutral and fair position on the South China Sea issue.

"Cambodia's neutral and fair stance over the South China Sea issue has importantly contributed to protecting China-ASEAN good cooperation and to maintaining peace and stability in the region," she said during the inauguration ceremony of a China-funded road in western Kampong Speu province.

The ceremony was also attended by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

The Cambodian prime minister announced in June that the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) did not support the arbitral tribunal's so-called award over the South China Sea dispute between the Philippines and China.

Read the full story at Xinhua