Cambodian PM mocks US threat
Speaking to the press on August 3, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen blasted US threats to withhold aid money if the recent Cambodian national elections are proven to have been rigged. He even dared the US to follow through. “If [the U.S.] wants to cut aid, just cut it. Don’t talk so much,” said Sen.
Sen has been Prime Minister of Cambodia for 28 years. Widespread allegations of fraud and voter intimidation accompanied his reelection last week. Several Members of the US Congress apparently believe these allegations, and have introduced resolutions seeking a reduction or withholding of aid to Cambodia, which currently totals around $70 million, pending an investigation.
Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) retained its majority status in the Cambodian Parliament, but lost several seats to the minority party, the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP). The CNRP, however, is not satisfied with the final tally and has called for a United Nations-backed investigation, alleging “serious election irregularities.”
In his comments, Sen also made reference to Cambodia’s strong ties with China and suggested that any reduction in support from the US could easily be replaced. “Last time the US cut our aid, they were going to give us 100 old trucks. The Chinese saw this and gave us 257 trucks,” said Sen.
China has invested massively in Cambodia over the last decade, and in return Cambodia has supported China in its various territorial disputes in the South China Sea. This goes to show that, among China’s close friends, the US is running out of carrots and sticks.
Speaking to the press on August 3, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen blasted US threats to withhold aid money if the recent Cambodian national elections are proven to have been rigged. He even dared the US to follow through. “If [the U.S.] wants to cut aid, just cut it. Don’t talk so much,” said Sen. Sen has been Prime Minister of Cambodia for 28 years. Widespread allegations of fraud and voter intimidation accompanied his reelection last week. Several Members of the US Congress apparently believe these allegations, and have introduced resolutions seeking a reduction or withholding of aid to Cambodia,...
Speaking to the press on August 3, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen blasted US threats to withhold aid money if the recent Cambodian national elections are proven to have been rigged. He even dared the US to follow through. “If [the U.S.] wants to cut aid, just cut it. Don’t talk so much,” said Sen.
Sen has been Prime Minister of Cambodia for 28 years. Widespread allegations of fraud and voter intimidation accompanied his reelection last week. Several Members of the US Congress apparently believe these allegations, and have introduced resolutions seeking a reduction or withholding of aid to Cambodia, which currently totals around $70 million, pending an investigation.
Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) retained its majority status in the Cambodian Parliament, but lost several seats to the minority party, the Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP). The CNRP, however, is not satisfied with the final tally and has called for a United Nations-backed investigation, alleging “serious election irregularities.”
In his comments, Sen also made reference to Cambodia’s strong ties with China and suggested that any reduction in support from the US could easily be replaced. “Last time the US cut our aid, they were going to give us 100 old trucks. The Chinese saw this and gave us 257 trucks,” said Sen.
China has invested massively in Cambodia over the last decade, and in return Cambodia has supported China in its various territorial disputes in the South China Sea. This goes to show that, among China’s close friends, the US is running out of carrots and sticks.
