Senior US diplomat Wendy Sherman expresses concern about China’s military presence during Cambodia visit

Prime Minister Hun Sen has become increasingly close to China as the US has condemned human rights abuses and his crackdown on political opposition

Sherman’s trip to Cambodia was the first by such a senior US official since well before the main opposition party was banned in 2017

Reading Time:2 minutes

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen greets Wendy Sherman, the US undersecretary of state for political affairs. Photo: APF

Published: 11:29pm, 1 Jun 2021Updated: 12:38am, 2 Jun 2021

The most senior US official to visit Cambodia in years expressed concern on Tuesday about China’s military presence there and sought clarification on the demolition of US-funded buildings, the State Department said.

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who met veteran Prime Minister Hun Sen, urged Cambodia’s leadership to “maintain an independent and balanced foreign policy, in the best interests of the Cambodian people”.

Hun Sen, who has ruled for over 35 years, has become increasingly close to China as the United States has condemned human rights abuses and his demolition of the political opposition.

The Pentagon said last year it was worried about reports that the Cambodian Navy tactical headquarters at Ream Naval Base had been demolished and had asked Cambodia for an explanation.

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman urged Cambodia’s leadership to “maintain an independent and balanced foreign policy, in the best interests of the Cambodian people”. Photo: US State Department

The building, roughly 30 metres (98 feet) long, had housed several small patrol boats.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x