Upholding International Law and the Paris Peace Accords: The KMD reminds China of its obligation to uphold international law and the Paris Peace Accords, which are fundamental to Cambodia’s sovereignty, neutrality, and territorial integrity. We emphasize that these accords constitutionally define Cambodia as a plural, multi-party democracy, guaranteeing freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly – a political system fundamentally different from that of China. We urge China to respect these agreements, and to ensure these freedoms and this system are guaranteed and implemented by all, including China itself, and to refrain from any actions that undermine them.

Concerns of Cambodia Becoming a Vassal State: The KMD expresses grave concern about Cambodia’s increasing dependance on China, which threatens to transform our nation into a vassal state with a permanent Chinese military presence. This trajectory not only violates Cambodia’s constitutional neutrality but also jeopardizes regional stability and the delicate balance of power in Southeast Asia. The ongoing trade wars and Cambodia’s perceived vulnerability, exacerbate these concerns. We fear that Cambodia’s deepening dependence on China could lead to further economic and political concessions by the ruling corrupt elites, including those related to military influence, which would be disastrous for our nation’s future.

The Cambodian People’s Expectations: The KMD reminds today’s Chinese leadership not to repeat the grave historical mistake of the  Chinese Communist Party ( CCP ) to support the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime which claimed the lives of over 2.4 million Cambodians. We call on China to consider the long-term interests of the Cambodian people, which lie in a nation that is sovereign, neutral, and respectful of human rights. We believe that a truly democratic government in Cambodia would be best positioned to balance relations with all nations, including both China and the United States, and to safeguard our nation’s neutrality.

The KMD appeals to President Xi Jinping to demonstrate that he is indeed a leader who respects China’s international obligations and the Cambodian constitution. Cambodian and Chinese people should develop their relationship on the basis of their cultural closeness, not repeating the mistakes from the past. KMD urgently calls on the international community to take concrete and decisive action to support the restoration of democracy and respect for human rights in Cambodia. “The time for mere expressions of concern has long passed,” KMD President Mu Sochua concluded. 
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About the Khmer Movement for Democracy (KMD)
The Khmer Movement for Democracy (KMD) is the largest diaspora organization representing Cambodians striving for a democratic and rights-respecting Cambodia. The KMD advocates for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, and supports the efforts of activists and civil society organizations working on the ground in Cambodia.