China naval base a CNRP myth?
Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Part y leader, Sam Rainsy, had hired a US public relations firm to disrupt t he election process in Cambodia.
Hence, many in the country wonder if there is a coordinated effort by third parties to deter the government from partnering with the Chinese by planting stories and recycling old quotes to make something out of nothing.
The alleged PLA Naval base on Cambodian soil could be part of Rainsy’s disinformation strategy.
In the meantime, upon his return to the capita l from Singapore, Hun Sen was greeted with a letter from US Vice Presodemt Mike Pence which outlined US concerns regarding a possible PL A Nav y base in Koh Kong.
The prime minister categorically denied all such allegations in a Facebook address.
“The constitution of Cambodia bans the presence of foreign troops or military bases in its territory. Whether naval forces, infantry forces or air forces,” said Hun Sen.
Many analyst have said it is important to note that the US objections to China’s alleged plans to construct a base along Cambodia’s gateway to the Gulf of Thailand comes as the Western power’s influence in Asia is beginning to wane.
Perhaps the US is paranoid over China’s growing sphere of influence in the region, which could ultimately undermine its own geopolitical ambitions.
The US deems the South China Sea as international waters. But as China asserts itself in the region, its actions in the South China Sea have become a symbol of dominance in the waning days of US hegemony in Asia.
Let’s not forget that China doesn’t have a history of hosting military bases on foreign soil.
However, the US, on the other hand, operates bases all around the world like in Guantanamo, Europe and throughout the South Pacific. Perhaps the Americans should look inward before criticising Cambodia?