Relations between Cambodia and China: The Impact towards Cambodia’s Sovereignty

George Tana H.s, S. Inderjit, Jessica Ong Hai Liaw and Kwong Fook Wen
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George Tana H.s: Student at Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College, Batch 52:2023
S. Inderjit: Faculty of Defence Studies and Management, National Defence University of Malaysia
Jessica Ong Hai Liaw: Faculty of Defence Studies and Management, National Defence University of Malaysia
Kwong Fook Wen: Faculty of Defence Studies and Management, National Defence University of Malaysia

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 3, 440-452

Abstract: This paper examines Cambodia – China relations and its impact towards Cambodia’s sovereignty. Cambodia has been a loyal ally to China in the Southeast Asia regions with its support of “One China†policy, active involvement in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and denying ASEAN consensus to fight against China’s claim in South China Sea. These facts links to a concern that China is trying to control Cambodia to establish a stronghold for its presence in the Southeast Asia region. Through qualitative research and data from secondary sources, this paper analyses deeper into these relations with an aim to dissect their connection and study the impact on Cambodia sovereignty. It is found through this paper that Cambodia, although practicing open foreign policy, is very much reliant on China for its economic development. However, Cambodia is wary of China’s influence and strive to reduce dependency on China. China meanwhile deepens its influence on Cambodia’s with its large investment and backing of current ruling regime’s survival. This turned Cambodia into a strong ally of China in the regional and international arena. Though Cambodia – China relations have its pro and cons, this paper accessed that Cambodia would still rely on China strong economy for its development while also looking outwards to other foreign power to diversify its options. This paper concludes with several recommendations for future studies into Cambodia – China relations. It is noted throughout the paper that for a more comprehensive understanding of Cambodia’s relationship with China, future research needs to investigate on Cambodia’s relations with its regional neighbours i.e., ASEAN countries. It would also be significant if future research investigates China’s interest in Southeast Asia region by analysing China’s relations with ASEAN and the major power rivalries in the Southeast Asia region. This should provide different perspective that connects the need for Cambodia – China relationship and how both states are manipulating each other for their national interest.

Date: 2025
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