Cambodia says relations with China are at ‘best stage’ ever after agreeing US$259m loan to build road
Beijing and Phnom Penh hail stronger ties after signing deal to fund ring road in Cambodian capital
China has lent Cambodia US$259 million to build a new road in the capital Phnom Penh with Cambodia describing relations between the two countries as being at the “best stage” ever.
Cambodia’s long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen is China’s strongest regional ally.
He looks set to win a general election on July 29 and extend his 33-year rule after the main opposition was dissolved last year at his government’s request, prompting criticism from the international community.
China’s backing has bolstered Hun Sen in the face of criticism over what his opponents have said amounts to his destruction of democracy ahead of the election.
The concessional loan agreement was signed on July 10 between the Export-Import Bank of China and Cambodia’s Ministry of Finance to build a four-lane, 47km (25-mile) city ring road, the finance ministry said in a statement on Friday.
“The signing is another new, fruitful and comprehensive strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the People’s Republic of China,” the statement said.
