Kampot (FN), Apr. 21 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet strongly dismissed accusations that Chinese investment is eroding Cambodia’s sovereignty, citing comparative investment figures across the world to highlight the inaccuracy of such claims.

The premier spoke on Monday (Apr. 21) during the inauguration of the Kampot International Tourism Port.

In 2023 alone, Chinese investment in the US totaled USD 28 billion. In Europe, from 2000 to 2023, China invested approximately USD 163 billion. In Japan, Chinese investment in 2023 reached nearly USD 2 billion. South Korea received USD 9 billion, and Australia more than USD 5 billion

“They accuse us of allowing China to take control of everything, implying that we are losing our sovereignty. But I want to stress that Chinese investment is not unique to Cambodia. Let me share data from 2023. Chinese investment in the United States alone reached 28 billion dollars. Many American companies received Chinese capital through share purchases.

In Europe, between 2000 and 2023, Chinese investment totaled 163 billion dollars. In 2023, China invested nearly USD 2 billion in Japan, USD 9 billion in South Korea, and over USD 5 billion in Australia.

Within the ten ASEAN countries, Chinese investment amounted to USD 25 billion in 2023. Which country in ASEAN received the most? Singapore, with USD 13 billion. Cambodia ranked eighth, with only USD 300 million in Chinese investment.”

The premier continued, “China invested the most in Singapore, with USD 13 billion. It invested USD 4 billion in Indonesia, over USD 2 billion in Viet Nam, USD 2.2 billion in Malaysia, USD 1 billion in Thailand, and USD 900 million in the Philippines—despite ongoing maritime disputes. Even in Myanmar, which is currently experiencing conflict, China invested USD 400 million. Meanwhile, Cambodia received only USD 300 million in Chinese investment.”

These countries, despite receiving significant Chinese investment, have not lost their sovereignty. Yet when China invests in Cambodia, critics claim it threatens the nation’s independence. He added that Cambodia welcomes investment from all countries—whether from China or the US—saying, we accept both cabbage and beef.
=FRESH NEWS