China-Cambodia Relations
Politics
Why alleged scam kingpin Chen Zhi was sent to China, not the US
Despite facing criminal charges in the US, Prince Group founder and chairman Chen Zhi was deported to China. His case sheds light on Cambodia’s geopolitical calculations — and why Beijing’s pull outweighed Washington’s claims. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu looks at the implications.
Liu Liu
12 Jan 2026
Politics
The Cambodia-Thailand truce: What Malaysia, China and the US got right
Together, the three actors of Malaysia/ASEAN, China and the US formed an unusual trilateral alignment that led to the Cambodia-Thailand truce. Their cooperation may now serve as a practical model for managing emerging crises in the global south, says academic Ma Haiyun.
Ma Haiyun
31 Jul 2025
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
Politics
Cambodia’s scars: Xi’s visit stirs Khmer Rouge memories
It seems as though everyone has forgotten about Cambodia’s past, from its rich pre-communist history to the bloody Khmer Rouge period, laments conservative Hong Kong commentator Chip Tsao. He tells us why it is important to remember the history of Cambodia.
Chip Tsao
30 Apr 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
Embracing Xi’s ‘Asian family’ while keeping US ties: Southeast Asia’s tightrope
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia on his first overseas trip in 2025. His visit showed that China wants to work more closely with Southeast Asia to strengthen ties and weather the negative impact of Trump’s tariffs, says ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook. While Southeast Asia as a whole is prepared to engage China more, they still see value in having the US as a key partner.
Lye Liang Fook
22 Apr 2025
Politics
From Cambodia to Myanmar: Can ASEAN and China broker another peace?
ASEAN played a significant role in dealing with the decade-long Cambodian crisis in much of the 1980s and early 1990s. Could this experience help it play a greater role in resolving the Myanmar crisis? Malaysian academic Ngeow Chow Bing examines the issue.
Ngeow Chow Bing
21 Apr 2025
History
[Photos] Cambodia: A war-torn country that became China’s firm ally in Southeast Asia
Historical photo collector Hsu Chung-mao shares the photographs he took during a trip to Vietnam-occupied Cambodia, giving us a glimpse of a country in turmoil while recovering from the terror of the Khmer Rouge.
Hsu Chung-mao
06 Dec 2024
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
Cambodia’s calculated decisions in acquiring Chinese naval vessels
Rather than look a gift horse in the mouth, observers should consider Cambodia’s own agency and decision making rather than assuming it is merely a passive or compliant recipient of military aid from China.
Vithoureakborndidh Chou
06 Nov 2024
Politics
China’s growing infrastructure projects in Cambodia and their geostrategic implications
With talk of China possibly looking at Ream Naval Base as its second overseas military base after Djibouti, US academic Chen Xiangming notes that coupling a new canal with even a periodic naval visit at Ream would allow China to monitor the critical shipping lane of the Strait of Malacca from a close geostrategic point.
Chen Xiangming
23 Sep 2024