Sokvy Rim
Independent researcherArticles by Sokvy Rim
Politics
China’s possible role in Cambodia-Thailand border dispute
As relations between Cambodia and Thailand remain tense following a border incident along their disputed border, Cambodian researcher Sokvy Rim weighs up the key factors and considers China as a possible mediator if the situation worsens.
Sokvy Rim
18 Jun 2025
Economy
US market, China money: Cambodia navigates the trade war
While the US is Cambodia’s largest market for garment and textile products, China is Cambodia’s main source of investment in those areas. Cambodia needs to walk the tightrope between the two countries, as both are crucial for its economic growth, says Cambodian researcher Sokvy Rim.
Sokvy Rim
28 Apr 2025
Politics
Courting China, balancing Vietnam: Cambodia exits Development Triangle Area
Cambodia commentator Rim Sokvy says that with Cambodia’s withdrawal from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area making Vietnam uncomfortable, Cambodia may move even closer to China, seeking the latter’s security guarantee.
Sokvy Rim
11 Nov 2024
Politics
How Japan and South Korea can revitalise Cambodia-US relations
Cambodia is drawing closer to South Korea and Japan in a bid to expand the country’s circle of friendly powers. Such increased engagement with US allies may get the US thinking about its approach to Cambodia, say researchers Sokvy Rim and Olivia Zeiner-Morrish.
Sokvy Rim, Olivia Zeiner-Morrish
05 Sep 2024
Politics
BRI's Funan Techo Canal could steer Cambodia away from Vietnam and towards China
Cambodia's push to build Techo Canal, a waterway linking the Phnom Penh Autonomous Port to its coastal province Kep, means cargo ships may bypass the Vietnamese port of Cai Mep. Cambodian commentator Sokvy Rim weighs up the impacts of such a prospect.
Sokvy Rim
11 Mar 2024
Politics
Cambodia's foreign policy under new Prime Minister Hun Manet
Hun Manet, son of Hun Sen, has been named Cambodia's new prime minister in August. While Cambodia has maintained a close relationship with China during Hun Sen's rule, how will its new leader negotiate the nation's foreign relations amid great power rivalry? Cambodian commentator Rim Sokvy says even if the new leadership wants to align more with the West, and improve the transparency and accountability of the nation's bureaucratic system, the current state of domestic politics could hold it back from doing so.
Sokvy Rim
13 Sep 2023
Politics
What is China's role in Cambodia's upcoming election?
The US's previous approach of pressuring Cambodia on improving its processes for democratic elections only pushed Cambodia closer to China, says Cambodian researcher Sokvy Rim. Now, with the ruling party dominating politics, the US and the West's impact looks set to be further diminished. Will China's influence further increase?
Sokvy Rim
17 Jul 2023
Politics
Why China's close ally Cambodia is a staunch supporter of Ukraine
While China appears to be getting further embroiled in the Russia-Ukraine war on the side of Russia and may seek to influence close ally Cambodia to follow suit, the latter does not seem to be easily swayed.
Sokvy Rim
14 Mar 2023
Politics
Why Cambodia is leaning towards China and not the US
Sokvy Rim explains why Cambodia's foreign policy options have been constrained by the leaders' concerns of regime survival at various stages of its history. If this trajectory continues, it may be hard for it to conduct a hedging strategy in its relations between China and the US.
Sokvy Rim
09 May 2022