China envoy visits Preah Sihanouk

Khmer Circle: Kingdom of Doom...

For decades the Vietnamese have been flooding this small country with their undesirables of various shades, from samurai sword wielding gangs and pickpockets to prostitutes, along with their chemicals-infected consumer exports. Many of these elements have been former residents of Saigon who have not found the new communist rule and its martial restrictions there to their taste. So, Nom Ben [Phnom Penh, to you and me] lying just a few hours away from Ho Chi-Minh by road under Hanoi's de facto colonial influence offers a far more attractive niche for their favoured pastimes and pursuits. Plus, in the case of the rampant flesh industry and other commercial activities, these folks also serve to infect the bodies and souls of Khmer locals - young and mature - with their own dose of human chemicals, aimed at sapping the health and moral fiber of the host culture and people. 

To describe the prostitutes as "undesirables" is not altogether fair given that their trade is largely based on the desirability of the flesh and the subtle art of seduction at their disposal! It is something that the Vietnamese and their Chinese neighbours have had no qualms in adding to their already formidable skills in statecraft and politics. 

The demographic differential between Vietnam and Cambodia is a disturbing factor too. Being outnumbered on the battle field in both tactics and sheer numbers is unfortunate enough. But, to have all these 'undesirables' in your midst who prey on your lapse in moral vigilance, or take advantage of your human weaknesses 24/7 is another matter! Of Vietnam's 90 million plus population, if only a small fraction of that figure with all these unsavoury characteristics found their way into Cambodia; a country with a known population of no more than 14-15 millions, this could spell only trouble socially and politically in any time frame for its future and present health or viability. 

Which brings us to another consideration: If Vietnam, a nation of around 90 million people is capable of posing this much threat and malaise to Cambodia through these close ties and "friendship", how much more of the threat would be posed to her by the world's most populous country?

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Niem Chheng | Publication date 25 July 2018 | 08:08 ICT

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Chinese Commercial Councellor Li Jie (left) having discussions with Preah Sihanouk Governor Yun Min. fresh news

A delegation from the Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh met Preah Sihanouk authorities on Monday to discuss security issues involving its nationals.

The visit was prompted by media reports that traffic violations and fighting have risen due to the increase in the number of Chinese nationals in the province. However, police have denied this.

Led by Chinese Commercial Counsellor Li Jie, the delegation met Preah Sihanouk Governor Yun Min to discuss ways to better protect Chinese residents.

“They came to discuss security for Chinese nationals and assured us that Cambodia laws shall be respected to avoid problems. On our part, we shall ensure their safety, provided they respect our laws.”

Min also rejected criticism from some quarters that the Cambodian seaside town is becoming the Kingdom’s “Macau” as the number of Chinese-owned casinos increases.

“Our priority is to improve the economy and development and safeguard security and safety to ensure prosperity.

Preah Sihanouk provincial police chief Chuon Narin said the delegation also met him to discuss security matters.

Narin said there were currently about 20,000 Chinese nationals living in the province, but the total figure could increase to about 40,000 if short-stay workers are included.

However, he denied that crimes committed by Chinese nationals were on the rise. “Of the crimes that happen, only about one percent relates to foreigners, and these are mainly traffic violations ... Cambodians also commit such crimes,” he said.