Having represented the interests of Cambodia in human rights litigation brought by Cambodia’s political opponents in federal courts, I want to offer some insight into the U.S. – Cambodia relationship in light of current events to help strengthen this relationship.
Considering China’s purported interest in establishing naval facilities in Cambodia, U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho’s, R-Fla., “Cambodia Democracy Act,” which passed the House earlier this month, is detrimental to the national security interests of the United States.
While there may be no truth to recent reports of a secret pact between the two nations to allow Chinese forces to use a Cambodian naval base, China’s aspirations to rule the Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea are no secret. However, a naval presence in Cambodia could easily become a reality if the United States continues to shame and criticize the Cambodian leadership.
