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Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his government deny wanting to host a military base on their territory. REUTERS / Samrang Pring
In Cambodia, the government denies any willingness to host a Chinese military base in the kingdom. But this is an advance investigation online media Asia Times online published last Thursday. It questions the function of a deep-water port in an area conceded to a Chinese group and currently under construction. On Facebook, Asia Times notes that the article is making waves in Phnom Penh but strongly supports the merits of its investigation.
With our correspondent in Phnom Penh, Juliette Buchez
On Monday, the Cambodian Prime Minister confirmed receiving a letter from US Vice President Mike Pence. He is also investigating a potential Chinese military base project in Cambodia as reported by Asia Times.
Hun Sen, as well as several ministries, have however denied any intention to host destroyers of the Chinese army, stating that the Cambodian Constitution prohibits the presence of foreign troops or military bases on its territory.
The construction of the port of Koh Kong is officially part of a tourism development plan associated with the Chinese project "New Silk Road".
A project already criticized because of its impact on the environment and a concession of almost 20% of the Cambodian coast to Chinese investors.
China is today one of the main diplomatic allies of Cambodia at a time when relations with the United States are no longer good. The American influence, long predominant in Southeast Asia, increasingly comes up against China's economic, strategic and military ambitions.
Especially in the case concerning the South China Sea, where Beijing claims territories disputed by Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia or the Philippines.