Cambodia’s support for One-China policy still unwavering

CAMBODIA has reaffirmed its “resolute adherence” to the One-China policy, saying it recognises Beijing as the sole legitimate authority representing the entirety of China.

This was in response to developments in Taiwan, which China views as part of its territory, after the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secure victory in the island’s recent parliamentary elections.

Taiwan conducted the elections on January 13. According to the initial primary results, the DPP was re-elected for the third successive time. Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai, the prime ministerial candidate of the party, is a confidant of current Taiwan president Tsai Ing-Wen. The DPP holds a position of declaring independence from China.

Taiwan called on the Chinese side to respect the election outcome and “recognise the truth” of the results. The calls followed comments by the Chinese foreign ministry that regardless of the election outcome, “there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of its territory”.

An Sokkhoeurn, spokesman for Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, could not be reached for comment on January 15.

Seun Sam, a policy researcher at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said that adhering to the One China policy was nothing new. This commitment has been made from the time late King Norodom Sihanouk until now.

“When Taiwan chose to hold the parliamentary elections, China described it as choosing war over peace,” he said.

“Cambodia has excellent relations with China. The Cambodian foreign ministry is

just reiterating that the Kingdom respects the One China policy. Cambodia made the agreement long ago, and views Taiwan as part of Chinese territory,” he added.

Sam opined that the announcement would not seriously affect Cambodia’s relations with Taiwan nor affect any Western nations. He noted that Cambodia has no diplomatic ties with the island, and pointed out that even the US does not have an embassy there.

Seng Vanly, a lecturer of international relations and a regional political observer, echoed Sam’s views, saying that the announcement could not affect bilateral relations with Taiwan as they have no formal diplomatic ties.

The two sides, he noted, have maintained some trade relations, as many businesspeople from Taiwan conducted business in Cambodia, in coordination with China and Vietnam.

“This was simply an expression of Cambodia’s firm stance and attention to the Chinese side. The election was simply made after the elections in Taiwan

when the ruling party was re-elected. I fear that the situation of Taiwan and China could progress to negativity,” he added.

He noted that the Kingdom’s announcement of its respect for the One China Policy is a diplomatic strategy which might encourage Taiwan to consider lessening its tension with China over its ambitions to declare independence. He suggested that rather than lessoning tension, an attempt at independence may lead to armed conflict.

In October 2023, during a state visit to China, Prime Minister Hun Manet met with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, and reiterated Cambodia’s adherence to the One China Policy.