Cambodia intensifies good neighborhood diplomacy
Prime Minister Hun Sen’s official visits to Lao PDR and Vietnam last week signifies a new era in Cambodia’s foreign policy priorities.
Category: Editorial
Cambodia’s cultural diplomacy 2.0
Rich in history and cultural assets, Cambodia has a great potential and comparative advantage to expand its international networks of friendship and partnerships through cultural diplomacy, and project its soft power based on the contribution to human civilisation.
A tardy EU response forsakes Cambodia’s rice sector
For more than a decade, Cambodia has had excellent trade ties with the EU, registering some 5.8 billion euros ($6.56 billion) worth of exports in 2017, compared with a mere 837 million euros ($947 million) in 2007.
A sickening tale of Cambodia’s rice exports
In 2015, the Cambodian government’s set target of exporting one million tons of rice fell short the moment it was announced.
Reforms required in the post-EBA Cambodia
For Cambodia, EBA provides a lot of benefits to the agriculture industry, in particular, rice and a number of other potential products.
Institutions behind Chinese aid
Before the 1980s, Chinese foreign aid primarily served a political purpose, whereas since the 1990s, it also has been driven by commercial interests.
Financial risks could derail Asia’s economic growth
Asia is one of the largest contributors to global economic growth but there is a Catch-22 situation. The higher the economic growth from increases in investment, the higher will be the current account deficit.
Cambodia’ foreign policy in defiance of hegemony
Cambodia’s foreign policy stance is now more assertive after the formation of the new government in the sixth legislature. Prime Minister Hun Sen is determined not to tolerate international pressures and intervention, especially with regards to democracy and human rights.
Japan’s high stakes diplomacy with the US and China
Next week Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be on a state visit to Beijing, to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. If the visit succeeds, it could be a significant game-changer in the region and beyond. Shiro Armstrong tells why.
Cambodia versus the EU’s double standards
Two countries in Asean have now been accorded pariah-like status in what seems to be clear double standards practiced by the EU.
Cambodia’s worldview 2018
Cambodia’s foreign policy has been robustly reformed after a leadership change in 2016. Over the past two years, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and his team have taken concrete measures to enhance institutional capacity.
Cambodia’s balance between China, Vietnam
Maintaining a flexible, stable equilibrium between key strategic and economic partners is a matter of long-term survival for a small nation like Cambodia.
Embrace Industry 4.0 or risk being left behind
The essence of Industry 4.0’s vision is the “Internet of Things” – the ubiquitous connection of people, things and machines – and Blockchain – a technology that enables the decentralised and secure storage and transfer of information.
How Asean should respond to geopolitical risks
The power shifts are real and Asean needs to adjust to survive and stay relevant.
Melting of power politics with national reconciliation
The release on bail of Kem Sokha was a milestone in promoting national reconciliation after more than a year of political tensions.
The new cabinet must inspire change for all
The much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle to kick off the sixth mandate of the Royal Government turned from a rumble on the Mekong to mere poof that it is business-as-usual – consolidating the success of conservatives in their positions.
Whatever the taste, the source of the wine remains the same
Events over the weekend were interesting as there were sweeping changes in the Ministry of Interior, where up to 10 senior officials were asked to retire and new ones installed.
A need to mind the gaps in Cambodia and China ties
China’s economic power and influence can be a source for sustainable development in Cambodia, but for this to happen requires strong leadership from both countries.
Funcinpec’s uncertain future
Intra-party politics and power struggles are the main causes explaining the downfall of the party.
The rule of law and national reconciliation in Cambodia
Cambodia is a post-conflict country. It remains a young modern state with a democratic system.
Prime Minister Hun Sen and the art of power politics
Politics is the art of the impossible. Prime Minister Hun Sen is the master of power politics otherwise he could not have stayed in power for more than three decades.
Why we need transformative leadership in Cambodia
In our previous editorials, we stressed that “transformative leadership” was required to address national issues, some of them chronic and some emerging.
Old wine in an old bottle? Think twice before it’s too late
While Prime Minister Hun Sen may be inclined to adopt some measures of “old wine in a new bottle”, the fact that some party seniors are talking about “old wine in an old bottle” is troubling to say the least.
Mr Prime Minister – No old wine in a new bottle, please
As Prime Minister Hun Sen moves with remarkable speed and determination to establish the new cabinet of the 6th mandate of Royal Government, the line up of the cabinet itself is shrouded in secrecy.
Interpreting Japan’s post-election position on Cambodia
Public debates on Japan’s position on Cambodia’s July election have gained steam after Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono reportedly expressed his “disappointment” over the July 29 election.
The storm is not over yet
The Cambodian ruling elites were relieved to learn that the voter turnout rate was much higher than expected and the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) received an unprecedented victory in the “controversial” 6th parliamentary election.
How should Cambodia respond to external pressures?
Cambodia has been the contesting ground of major powers and now it seems to be the beginning for a new Cold War provoked by some Western countries as they ignore the realities in the Kingdom.
Reforms are needed in post-election Cambodia
Last Sunday’s national election was stunning in terms of a high voter turnout rate and landslide victory of the long-ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP).
People of Cambodia have spoken at the election
The former CNRP opposition and fugitive self-exiled politician Sam Rainsy tried their best to scuttle Cambodia’s sixth general election and failed miserably.
US sanctions on Cambodia undermine regional peace
The US House of Representatives passed the Cambodia Democracy Act of 2018 (H.R. 5754) on Wednesday, with a strategic intention to undermine hard-earned peace and democracy in Cambodia and the region.
