The Khmer Times, 1 May 2017 The 30th Asean summit ended with significant steps towards the realisation of a rules-based, people-oriented and people-centred Asean. Philippines President and this year’s Asean chair Rodrigo Roa Duterte stated, “Asean has a compelling narrative of positive change that we can hold up to the world. Through our distinct Asean … Continue reading Outcomes of the Asean Summit
Rules-Based ASEAN In Sight
The Khmer Times, 26 April 2017 The 30th Asean Summit kicks off today in Manila, under the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World”. The South China Sea issue and the tensions on the Korean peninsula are expected to dominate the discussion. Last month, Asean issued a statement urging North Korea to comply with the … Continue reading Rules-Based ASEAN In Sight
Half a Century of Hot, Cold Ties with Vietnam
The Khmer Times, 24 April 2017 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc makes a state visit Cambodia today to reaffirm unwavering and time-honored friendship between the two neighbors. This year is a special year. It marks the 50th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations. The relationships have ebbed and flowed, depending on changing domestic politics and … Continue reading Half a Century of Hot, Cold Ties with Vietnam
US Asia Policy Needs the Super Power of Diplomacy
The Khmer Times, 20 April 2017 The decisive acts of the United States in Syria and Afghanistan and assertive words on North Korea and Iran have compelled us to reassess the foreign policy direction of President Donald Trump. Despite the early signs of his foreign policy weakness, Mr. Trump has formed and assembled a strong … Continue reading US Asia Policy Needs the Super Power of Diplomacy
Cambodia’s War on Corruption
The Khmer Times, 6 April 2017 Corruption, driven by human nature and greed, is a universal issue. Fighting corruption is an endless process. Regardless of global and national efforts, corruption remains endemic and has become a cancer in many societies. A holistic approach is needed, including political will and commitment, effective laws and regulations, effective … Continue reading Cambodia’s War on Corruption
Strengthening Sino-Cambodian Ties
The Khmer Times, 30 March 2017 Two events that highlight Cambodia-China bilateral relations this year are the upcoming fourth inter-governmental coordination meeting and the attendance of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at the Belt and Road forum in Beijing in May. Cambodia is receptive to and supportive of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which was … Continue reading Strengthening Sino-Cambodian Ties
Cambodia Rejects Paying “Dirty Debt” to US
Aljazeera, 21 March 2017 The United States has renewed its demand for Cambodia to repay a war debt of $500m amid President Donald Trump's push to improve the state budget. Such a demand has met with an outcry from Cambodian political leaders and their people, who have consistently called the debt "dirty" and "blood-stained". Clearly, the memory of the United States' … Continue reading Cambodia Rejects Paying “Dirty Debt” to US
