On March 3, Cambodia’s leading opposition figure, Kem Sokha, was found guilty of treason and sentenced to 27 years, prompting an international outcry. It is the latest in a string of actions taken ahead of Cambodia‘s 23 July elections and the imminent transition of power from Hun Sen to his son Hun Manet. It was […]
More than 40 Chinese vessels reported around Philippine-claimed island
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday spotted more than 40 Chinese vessels near Pag-asa, one of the islands occupied by Manila in the South China Sea. Coast Guard personnel stationed on the island – also known as Thitu – reported a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessel, a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel, and […]
Border town residents feel safer after Malaysia cracked down on human smuggling
Residents of this community near where mass graves of trafficked migrants were discovered eight years ago say the border area is much quieter now – and they’re hoping it stays that way. A decade ago, distressed foreigners on foot used to knock on doors asking for food. And city dwellers arrived by car from hundreds […]
China Expands Defense Budget 7.2%, Marking Slight Increase
China announced Sunday a 7.2% increase in its defense budget for the coming year, up slightly from last year’s 7.1% rate of increase. That marks the eighth consecutive year of single-digit percentage point increases in what is now the world’s second-largest military budget. The 2023 figure was given as 1.55 trillion yuan ($224 billion), roughly […]
Cambodia Supports China’s 12-Point Proposal To End Conflict In Ukraine: PM
PHNOM PENH, Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen, voiced his country’s support for China’s 12-point proposal, to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying, “China has played a leading role in seeking peace” between Russia and Ukraine. Cambodia supports the proposal because it states the respect for international law and principles of the United Nations Charter, Hun […]