Chinese influence in Cambodia will keep growing despite efforts by exiled opposition leaders to return and seize control of the country’s future, according to a leading Cambodia expert.
Opposition leaders Sam Rainsy and Mu Sochua will attempt to cross the border from Thailand and re-enter their homeland this weekend.
The looming showdown between them and strongman Prime Minister Hun Sen – who has threatened the opposition with violence and arrests – is playing out as the Cambodian government develops an ever closer strategic, economic and military relationship with China.