Cambodia on Friday condemned a proposal by a US Congressman to impose financial sanctions on long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen and his officials, saying the bid destroyed the credibility of the United States. The visa sanctions were the toughest steps by any Western country since Hun Sen launched the crackdown on critics. The European Union (EU) and the United States have not removed preferential trade access for Cambodia’s vital garments sector, despite calls from rights groups for targeted sanctions. Both the EU and the United States have withdrawn funding for the July election, when Hun Sen hopes to extend his more than three decades in power. China vastly outspends the United States in a country once destroyed by Cold War superpower rivalry, and its money goes on highly visible infrastructure projects and with no demands for political reform.

Source: Dhaka Tribune May 11, 2018 06:00 UTC