Gov’t spokesperson says Cambodia ‘sovereign’ state amid accusations of being under foreign influence

Phay Siphan, Cambodia’s Royal Government Spokesperson, said Phnom Penh's foreign policy is not influenced by other countries and emphasized that Cambodia is a “sovereign” state, refuting accusations that Phnom Penh is influenced by a foreign country.

The Cambodian political elite have been trying to balance the country’s foreign relations after Phnom Penh has been seen as being tilted towards China.

Em Sovannara, who is a professor of politics and a political analyst, said that Phnom Penh is keen on creating an equilibrium between China on the one hand and the US and Europe on the other, as it tiptoes in its dealings with its allies to try not to look as if taking sides, especially after Cambodia was accused of passing Beijing’s agenda through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He added that Cambodia should play it smart and stay impartial so that it could continue benefiting from its relations with other countries.