On both occasions, Cambodian noncompliance with the general ASEAN consensus threatened to undermine unity in the region and demonstrated the lengths the country is willing to go to protect its relationship with Beijing. Cambodia also refused to agree to a joint statement from ASEAN condemning China for constructing military bases in the region. In 2012, when Cambodia had ASEAN chairmanship, it used its authority to back China in the South China Sea territorial dispute. In return for this investment, China can use Cambodia as its weapon to uphold Chinese interests within the ASEAN bloc. Meanwhile, an even greater number of unskilled textile workers are employed by Chinese textile companies, which make up around 80% of Cambodian exports. This significant Chinese investment has brought much-needed infrastructure development to Cambodia and generated thousands of construction jobs. ![]() The two countries have not only become close international partners and diplomatic allies since agreeing on a Comprehensive Partnership for Cooperation deal in 2006, but they strengthened those bonds again in 2010 by agreeing to an official strategic partnership. In fact, as Chinese investment expands across southeast Asia, nowhere is its effect more noticeable than in Cambodia. Militarily the two countries have also strengthened ties China has provided the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces with trucks, aircraft, training, medical facilities and even uniforms. ![]() ![]() And that is on top of the USD$3 billion dollars worth of loans it has handed Phnom Penh to fund strategic projects. But in this big-stakes diplomatic game, the banker in Beijing will always win.Ĭhina has invested more than $200 million in Cambodian development each year since 1992. A series of big-money investment deals has brought ASEAN nations politically and economically closer to China.
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