Cambodia 20240909: Benign, Rhetoric, Subversive

Mekong Memo Cambodia Weekly: Business, politics, finance, trade & legal news.

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Headlines:

China Gifts Warships, Raising Regional Eyebrows

Asian Political Dynasties Face Growing Scrutiny

RCEP Drives ASEAN-Australia Economic Ties

Push for Direct Flights to Melbourne

Siem Reap Gears Up for Major Tourism Events

Airport Nears Completion, Test Flights Underway

Diplomatic Ties: CA, US, CN, ID, TH, AU

Japan and South Korea Expanding Influence

Garment Sector and Tourism to Drive 2025 Growth

Orchid Industry to Boost Economic Potential

Union Calls for Action on Asbestos Ban

Five Year Plan for Disaster Resilience

Cultural Destination Title Retained

New Joint Photo Exhibition in Siem Reap

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China Gifts Warships, Raising Regional Eyebrows

Two Type 056C corvettes are slated to join Cambodia's navy in 2025, courtesy of Beijing. While officially designated for humanitarian missions and regional stability, the donation has definitely raised concern in the corridors of Western power. The focus of unease is the potential for increased Chinese military presence in the Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea, particularly given the ongoing expansion of Ream Naval Base with Chinese backing.

Read more: Firstpost (Influence), Newsweek (Concerns), SCMP (Speculation)

Asian Political Dynasties Face Growing Scrutiny

In Asia, political dynasties continue to shape governance, with Cambodia’s new Prime Minister, Hun Manet, working under the shadow of his father’s legacy while trying to chart his own course. Across the region, dynastic politics persist in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, raising concerns over nepotism, inequality, and democratic stagnation. Public discontent is growing, but organized political opposition remains fragmented.

Read more: SCMP (Hun Manet Challenges), The Guardian (Asia’s Political Dynasties)

RCEP Drives ASEAN-Australia Economic Ties

Dr. Sok Siphana, Senior Minister of Cambodia, recently talked about the importance of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) during the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum. He mentioned RCEP’s role in driving regional growth, growing ASEAN exports, and improving supply chain resilience. Australia’s economic ties with ASEAN, with RCEP accounting for two-thirds of its total trade, were mentioned specifically as important for continued collaboration. Sectors like manufacturing, technology, and services were identified as areas to look to for better cooperation between ASEAN and Australia.

Read more: Cambodia Investment Review

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Push for Direct Flights to Melbourne

Cambodia is exploring direct flights to Melbourne's Avalon Airport to enhance trade, education, and tourism partnerships with Australia. It is said that direct flights would be in support of a better relationship, especially in education, with potential collaborations between Cambodian institutions and Australian universities like Deakin in Geelong. The move aligns with Cambodia's broader economic strategy and Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, focusing on agriculture, infrastructure, and green energy. Early discussions are underway.

Read more: SCMP