April 22, 2025
PHNOM PENH – Prime Minister Hun Manet has strongly refuted claims by overseas analysts who interpreted a joint statement released last week as indicating that Cambodia has allowed China to fully control the country. He described such claims as a “betrayal of the truth”.
He noted that the unnamed analysts drew a false conclusion from the joint statement issued by Cambodia and China regarding last week’s official visit to Cambodia by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and falsely accused Cambodia of surrendering the country to Chinese control.
Manet dismissed the allegations as he addressed the April 21 inauguration ceremony of the Kampot International Tourism Port, located in Teuk Chhou district’s Chum Kriel commune. The facility was constructed with a $10 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
“Where is the evidence that Cambodia has handed over the country to China’s control, when the content of the statement clearly states that China respects Cambodia’s sovereignty and independence? Such dishonesty is like digging your own grave,” he said.
Xi completed his two-day visit to Cambodia on April 17 and 18, during which a joint statement was issued highlighting the “ironclad friendship” and cooperation between the two nations. Approximately 40 agreements across several sectors were signed during the visit, with both sides committing to building a “all-season” community of a shared future.
During the visit, China also expressed support for the Funan Techo Canal project. The China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) signed an investment agreement for the project, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, valued at $1.156 billion.
Manet also rejected critics’ claims that Chinese investments would lead to Cambodia losing its independence and sovereignty. He emphasised that China is a major trading partner, and pointed out that Chinese companies operate in many countries, including ASEAN nations and even the US.
He clarified that Chinese assistance in modernising the Ream Naval Base, which was inaugurated on April 5, does not compromise Cambodia’s independence or sovereignty. The Ream port will welcome ships from Vietnam, India and Russia in the near future, as they have already applied to dock there, and US ships will also be allowed to dock.
Currently, two Japanese vessels are paying a port call at the base. They are scheduled to depart on April 22, after arriving on April 19. They were the first international ships authorised to dock at the port.
“For example, Japanese ships have docked here and are cooperating with us, and there’s no issue. We don’t oppose China either, as it’s our right. I want to clarify this point,” he said.
He reiterated that Cambodia values and maintains relations with all countries, whether China or the US, to bring benefits to Cambodia and its people.