South China Morning Post

Chinese ‘old’ and ‘new’ keep the economy of Hun Sen’s Cambodia humming. But investment by Beijing has also entrenched the patronage system and given rise to anti-Chinese sentiment.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen marks 35 years in office today, a landmark that divides opinion in the politically tense Southeast Asian nation.

Beijing hopes to dredge the riverbed in northern Thailand to allow passage for cargo ships and possibly military vessels. Laos and Cambodia have been courted by Chinese investment but Thai activists claim Chinese dams are destroying their way of life.

A seven-storey building under construction in Cambodia collapsed and killed 36 people on January 3.

Ionescu “I.D.” Dragos and his team from the international non-profit conservation group Wildlife Alliance are in a battle against poachers and loggers trying to exploit the “Cardamom Forest”.

Hun Sen’s regime to discuss free-trade deal with China amid EU and US threats to end trade privileges over Cambodia’s human rights record. But there has been growing resentment in Cambodia over Chinese investment.

Amanda Noubel wants to break the taboo of mental health, so more people talk about their issues, to prevent people taking their own lives.

In a letter, the US president assured Cambodia it does not seek regime change but wants to promote democracy.

Victory could prove vital for AFC Asian Cup 2023 qualifying hopes. Attacking formation pays off with Roberto Affonso-inspired 2-0 defeat of side that they drew 1-1 with on match day one.

Qatar 2022 qualifier at Hong Kong Stadium on Tuesday night could prove key on the road to AFC Asian Cup 2023 in China. Defender Andy Russell hopes supporters can make it down to create another ‘excellent atmosphere’.

Rainsy, who now lives in France, had hoped to return to Cambodia on Saturday but is currently in Malaysia. Cambodian leader Hun Sen has pressured countries in the region to bar the opposition figurehead.

The politician warned strongman Hun Sen’s government against allowing Beijing to build infrastructure facilities that could be turned into military bases. Sam Rainsy said he and other banned opposition figures were ‘freedom fighters’ and thanked Malaysia for respecting their rights by allowing them entry.

Thirteen-year-old girl lured across border with promise of marriage and a job only to endure abuse at the hands of two ‘husbands’.

The Cambodian strongman is under pressure not only from a reinvigorated opposition, but from the European Union, too. The EU is considering cutting preferential trade terms over human rights allegations.

Private phone calls and social media posts are being used against individuals. For citizens, such intrusion provides a sinister reminder of the dark days of Pol Pot’s murderous regime.

Eight family members or allies of Cambodian leader Hun Sen sought and received Cypriot citizenship in 2016 and 2017.

Cambodia’s first all-male gay dance troupe has overturned the Kingdom’s ancient tradition by performing a classical apsara dance, traditionally performed by women, dating back to the 7th century - to mixed reactions.

Investment from China has brought huge change – and many casinos – to the former fishing village and backpacker favourite.

Since January 2017, there has been an alarming rise in the number of pregnant women and infants incarcerated. Widespread corruption means these impoverished female inmates have little to offer in exchange for their freedom.

China’s exports to Southeast Asian country have been rising steadily since start of trade war.