**How China’s military helped Cambodia evade democratic reforms**
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Beijing sent military advisers to Phnom Penh who trained a special forces unit that has been used to suppress political dissent and intimidate critics
Beijing has been accused of interfering in Cambodia’s domestic affairs and undermining its democracy by providing military assistance to the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen.
According to a report by the South China Morning Post, China has sent military advisers to Cambodia who have trained a special forces unit that has been used to suppress political dissent and intimidate critics.
The report also alleges that China has provided Cambodia with military equipment, including armored vehicles and surveillance technology, which has been used to crack down on opposition groups.
The Cambodian government has denied the allegations, but the evidence suggests that China is playing a significant role in undermining democracy in Cambodia.
**China’s military assistance to Cambodia**
China has been providing military assistance to Cambodia for many years. In the early 1990s, China helped to train and equip the Cambodian military after the country’s civil war.
In recent years, China has increased its military assistance to Cambodia. In 2019, China donated $100 million worth of military equipment to Cambodia, including armored vehicles, artillery, and small arms.
China has also sent military advisers to Cambodia to train the country’s military forces.
**China’s motives for assisting Cambodia**
China’s motives for assisting Cambodia are complex. One reason is that China wants to maintain its influence in Cambodia, which is located in a strategically important region.
Another reason is that China wants to promote its own model of development in Cambodia, which is based on authoritarian rule and economic growth.
China’s assistance to Cambodia has been welcomed by the Cambodian government, which has praised China for its support.
However, the assistance has also been criticized by human rights groups, which have accused China of helping to undermine democracy in Cambodia.
**The impact of China’s assistance on Cambodia**
China’s assistance has had a significant impact on Cambodia. The military assistance has helped the Cambodian government to suppress political dissent and maintain its grip on power.
The economic assistance has helped to boost Cambodia’s economy, but it has also led to increased inequality and environmental degradation.
Overall, China’s assistance to Cambodia has been a mixed bag. While it has helped to strengthen the Cambodian government and boost the economy, it has also contributed to the decline of democracy and human rights in the country.
**Conclusion**
China’s assistance to Cambodia is a complex issue with both positive and negative consequences. It is important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of China’s involvement in Cambodia in order to make informed decisions about the future of the country..
