The Myth of Non-interference: Chinese Foreign Policy in Cambodia

ABSTRACT

The discourse of “non-interference” features prominently in China’s so-called “peaceful rise” and “win – win” approach to international diplomacy. This article contests Beijing’s non-interference rhetoric through a case-study analysis of Cambodia. We make two core arguments: first, interference by foreign powers is not limited to actions that challenge a regime’s leadership, but can also include the reinforcement of regimes that lack popular support. Second, Beijing’s “non-interference” rhetoric is not demonstrated in the context of Cambodia, where it has repeatedly interfered to reinforce Prime Minister Hun Sen’s leadership during times of political contestation. To make these arguments, the article offers a historical summary of Chinese interference in Cambodia followed by an analysis of the key domains in which Hun Sen’s regime supports Chinese geostrategic interests. These are: support for Beijing’s One China Policy and its Belt and Road Initiative; support for Beijing in negotiations with ASEAN; and support for Chinese economic interests. Collectively, we argue that these domains contribute to the advancement of China’s “core national interest”, and it is therefore a myth to suggest that China has not interfered in Cambodia’s domestic politics.

KEYWORDS:

• China
• non-interference
• Cambodia
• foreign policy
• Southeast Asia
• Belt and Road Initiative

Acknowledgements

An earlier version of this article was presented at the “China’s Presence in Mainland Southeast Asia” workshop in 2019, organised by the Association of Mainland Southeast Asia Scholars at the University of Sydney, and at the Centre for Governance and Public Policy Research Workshop in 2019 at Griffith University. The authors would like to thank the participants in these two workshops, and in particular the reviewers, for their constructive comments.

Notes

¹ Administrative units in Cambodia are divided into villages, communes, districts and provinces.

² Indonesia takes the position that it is not a claimant state on the basis that all its maritime zones are legal under international law. Indonesia refuses to hold any bilateral discussions, arguing that there is nothing in dispute.

³ The Group of Friends is a United Nations body that works to promote democratic change in Myanmar. This body consists of Australia, Indonesia, Russia, the United States, China, Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, France, Norway, Thailand, India, Portugal and the United Kingdom.