by Oldnews » Mon Oct 30, 2017 8:32 pm
Not much if things go pear shaped.
http://www.atimes.com/article/cambodia- ... interests/
Cambodia clampdown threatens Chinese interests
[...]
Shortly after Kem Sokha’s arrest in September, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Beijing “supports the Cambodian government’s efforts to protect national security and stability.” That stability, however, could be called into question by Chinese policymakers if the EU and US impose damaging trade sanctions.
Nor is it clear that the clampdown will not eventually stir social unrest, particularly if and when Hun Sen’s government moves to dissolve the CNRP. “[Prime Minister Hun Sen] needs to realize that what he has been doing and will be doing more will further radicalize Cambodians who are reluctant to be tamed nowadays,” a recent Bangkok Post editorial said.
To be sure, Phnom Penh has been geopolitically useful for China in the past, including as a willing pawn inside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). But as Beijing curries favor with various Southeast Asian states, including the Philippines and Malaysia, Cambodia is arguably less important to China than previously.
And if Western sanctions are handed down, Cambodia would be less important economically as well.
Not much if things go pear shaped.
http://www.atimes.com/article/cambodia-clampdown-threatens-chinese-interests/
Cambodia clampdown threatens Chinese interests
[...]
Shortly after Kem Sokha’s arrest in September, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Beijing “supports the Cambodian government’s efforts to protect national security and stability.” That stability, however, could be called into question by Chinese policymakers if the EU and US impose damaging trade sanctions.
Nor is it clear that the clampdown will not eventually stir social unrest, particularly if and when Hun Sen’s government moves to dissolve the CNRP. “[Prime Minister Hun Sen] needs to realize that what he has been doing and will be doing more will further radicalize Cambodians who are reluctant to be tamed nowadays,” a recent Bangkok Post editorial said.
To be sure, Phnom Penh has been geopolitically useful for China in the past, including as a willing pawn inside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). But as Beijing curries favor with various Southeast Asian states, including the Philippines and Malaysia, Cambodia is arguably less important to China than previously.
And if Western sanctions are handed down, Cambodia would be less important economically as well.