Cambodia-US frictions are set to worsen
Monday, September 18, 2017
Significance
The moves are the latest in a series of frictions between Phnom Penh and Washington which centre on political freedoms in Cambodia and, following his arrest on September 3, opposition leader Kem Sokha of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).
Impacts
- The US government could use US influence to cut IMF and World Bank development aid to Cambodia.
- Cambodia will move further into China’s orbit as the US-Cambodia relationship worsens.
- Cambodian government officials and their business associates could be denied US entry visas.
- If US sanctions were applied, the garment sector’s liberal labour practices would probably protect this vital industry.