Mr. Hun Sen speaks out about the $2 billion Chinese-invested highway project in Cambodia
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen today attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a $2 billion highway project funded by China. Amid criticism that China is trying to colonize Cambodia, he asserted that he will not let that happen.
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| Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (Photo: Reuters) |
Cambodia today, March 22, held a groundbreaking ceremony for a $2 billion highway project funded by China.
When completed in 2023, the highway will link the capital Phnom Penh with Sihanoukville, a Cambodian port and resort that is attracting Chinese investors and casinos.
The nearly 200km-long highway, built by China Road and Bridge Corporation, is part of Beijing's ambitious "One Belt, One Road" project.
“The project cost is about $2 billion… This is a big project,” Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said at a groundbreaking ceremony in Kampong Speu province today, adding that it was the first such highway project in Cambodia. “Critics say that China is colonizing Cambodia… Cambodia will not let that happen,” Hun Sen added.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou also dismissed concerns that Beijing was trying to expand its influence in Phnom Penh. “In fact, Chinese investment is not a trap, not even a threat, it is helping Cambodia develop,” Kong said.
China is Cambodia’s largest investor, having poured billions of yuan into the Southeast Asian economy. Prime Minister Hun Sen often praises China’s “unconditional” aid and loans compared to financial support from the United States or the European Union (EU). Hun Sen has also repeatedly denied speculation that China is about to establish a naval base on Cambodian soil.