As partnership with China grows, so too concerns

Cambodia has become increasingly reliant on China for aid. But critics warn that financial support from China is not well tracked and likely means the country has undue influence over the government, and that could mean more trouble down the road as Cambodia looks toward greater development of its own. China’s financial help, which improves Cambodian infrastructure, military and other sectors, has long been a concern of rights groups and the opposition, who warn that such aid means China can influence Cambodian policy. China meanwhile is looking for natural resources, cheap labor, opportunities for markets and investments. China has played a major role in the garment sector, where it has access to cheap labor and land concessions, as well as development projects across the country. … Ciorciari says that kind of relationship has brought economic growth to Cambodia, but at a risk to the country’s independence and a risk to Asean unity. …

 Phorn Bopha
http://www.voacambodia.com/content/as-partnership-with-china-grows-so-too-concerns/2570669.html