Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Forum mulls Biden’s foreign policy

Forum mulls Biden’s foreign policy

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Roundtable discussion on the Joe Biden administration at the Royal Academy of Cambodia on Monday. Hong Menea

Forum mulls Biden’s foreign policy

Cambodian political analysts have said that no matter what direction US President Joe Biden’s foreign policy goes, the Kingdom must look after its own interests while it stands between superpowers, the US and China. Furthermore, the country’s politicians should not dwell excessively on foreign criticisms.

Analysts expressed their views on what the world can expect from the new US president during a roundtable discussion organised by the Royal Academy of Cambodia on February 8.

Social analyst Meas Nee said Cambodia may hold fast to its positions only when it has the capacity to face and work with the superpowers. Leaders must not be led to attack one superpower by representatives of the other. Cambodia should look to examine issues and solve them cooperatively.

“In the past, we lost our land until it became what we have today. If we follow our old historical norms, our small country will encounter further dangers,” Nee said.

Puy Kea, a news agency correspondent, said the US and EU see Cambodia as leaning towards China. He said Cambodia had made attempts to build closer ties with the US, but their side had not reciprocated.

Geological expert Jean-Francois Tain said Cambodia is currently returning to a policy of neutrality as it did during the period from 1953 to 1970. He described Cambodia as having fallen under the influence of the US from 1970 to 1975 and the influence of China from 1975 to 1979, followed by that of the Soviet Union from 1979 to 1989. Neutrality, he stressed, is only a theory.

“Cambodia must see where its national interests are. I don’t agree that we should push China away. If not for China, Cambodia would still use ox-driven carts for transportation. China was the first country to invest in Cambodia and the first to provide development assistance grants. China lends the most to Cambodia and helps build infrastructure. Why should we push China away?” he said.

“Developing a nation is one thing, and maintaining a policy of neutrality is another. If we open our arms to Western countries like the US and EU, but they don’t return the gesture, what can we do? We tell them that our foreign policy is neutral, and we desperately need development. We cannot stand to see neighbouring countries developing [while we fall behind].”

To improve Cambodia’s neutrality, Tain said the country must strengthen its economy and local politics. If Cambodia is not independent, its neutral foreign policy will not work.

“I pray that the US and Western countries come to invest in Cambodia. Then they would not talk about democracy here because their companies would be here, too,” he said.

Pen Bona, president of the Club of Cambodian Journalists and editor-in-chief for the television station PNN, said Cambodia should prioritise its own development. Cambodians of all political leanings should not favour China or the US, but should instead look at the directions in which those countries are moving and capitalise on opportunities brought by aligning interests. This would also help the Kingdom avoid unforeseeable risks, he opined.

“Politicians should overlook some issues that appear to interfere with the sovereignty or internal interests of the nation. Of course, one must stand up to opponents, but we needn’t overreact with regard to national interests.

“I appeal to the public on all sides of the political spectrum – we need to push development forward to avoid making our next generation suffer. We must push our country forward, not backward,” Bona said.

MOST VIEWED

  • 12th Cambodia int’l film festival to see return of Hollywood star

    Phnom Penh is set to come alive with the magic of cinema as the highly anticipated 12th Cambodia International Film Festival (CIFF) takes centre stage. Boasting an impressive line-up of 188 films from 23 countries, including captivating shorts, feature films, documentaries and animation, the festival promises an

  • Bareknuckle champion wants Kun Khmer fighter

    Dave Leduc, who is the current openweight Lethwei boxing champion in Myanmar, has announced that he will travel to Cambodia this year to challenge SEA Games gold medallist Prum Samnang any time that is convenient, after their planned match later this month in Slovakia was

  • Struggling Battambang artist dreams of staging full-scale gallery exhibition

    Leav Kimchhoth, a 55-year-old artist from Battambang province, is a familiar face to locals and tourists alike on the streets of the riverside in Phnom Penh. The one-armed painter and illustrator often hawks his work near the night market on weekends and public holidays. He

  • Five-year-old Hanuman dances his way into hearts of Cambodia

    A young talent from a new-established settlement has emerged, captivating the online world with his mesmerising performances of the traditional Cambodian monkey dance. Roeun Kakada is a five-year-old prodigy who has taken the social media sphere by storm with his exceptional dance skills and dedication

  • Fresh Covid warnings as Thai hospital fills

    A senior health official reminds the public to remain vigilant, as neighbouring countries experience an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the latest surge appearing to be a result of the Omicron XBB.1.5 sub-variant. Or Vandine, secretary of state and spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health,

  • New Law on Taxation comes into effect

    Cambodia has enacted the eagerly-awaited new Law on Taxation, which aims to improve the national tax regime’s compliance with present and future international standards and economic conditions; encourage accountability, effectiveness and transparency in the collection process; and promote investment in the Kingdom. King Norodom