Heng Pheakdey’s research while affiliated with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and other places

China's growing outward investment, no-strings-attached economic assistance and political support to resource-rich developing nations are strategies to sustain its expabding economy. While mainstream literature emphasizes the resource-orientated nature of most of China's diplomacy, there are exceptions. Focusing on Camboia as a case study, this paper argues that China charms Cambodia not for short term economic benefits but for long terms strategic and political gains. China is indifferent to Cambodia's limited resources but finds Cambodia's strategic geographical location vitally significant to increase its influence in the region.

To solve its chronic power shortage, the Government of Cambodia has placed the development of hydropower as one of the national priorities. With a total of US$2.4bn in investment, China is the most prominent player in hydropower development in Cambodia. The increase of hydropower projects and China’s involvement has sparked national controversy. There are contentious debates on such projects despite their potential economic benefits because of the concerns over their social and environmental consequences. Combining site visits and field interviews, this article studies the China-funded Kamchay hydropower project in Cambodia and examines its impact on the local community two years after it began operating. This article makes a distinct contribution to the ongoing debate on the effects of large-scale natural resource investments on sustainable development in Cambodia.

China’s growing demand for resources to fuel its economic growth has pushed the country to utilize its diplomacy to pursue resources abroad. China has encouraged outward investment by its state-owned enterprises in resource rich countries around the world, provided them economic assistance and offered political and diplomatic support at national and international stage. While the mainstream literature tends to suggest that China has been using its resource diplomacy worldwide to obtain energy and other important resources, this chapter argues that, in some cases, China’s motives are more strategic than economic. Drawing on an extensive literature review on China’s resource diplomacy in various countries, this chapter argues that China’s particular bond with Cambodia is embedded in its geopolitical interests based on patronage arrangements and strongman linkages.

China is the largest foreign investor in Cambodia's energy sector where its multi-million-dollar investment is transforming the country's energy sector, helping to reduce reliance on foreign energy, increase the electrification rate and potentially reduce energy costs. However, Chinese-funded energy projects, particularly hydropower dams, have encountered widespread suspicion and harsh criticism for failing to meet international standards and for imposing social and environmental damage. Combining site visits, in-depth interviews and comprehensive desk research, this paper examines Cambodia's energy challenges and critically analyses China's controversial role in the energy sector using a sustainable development framework. The paper provides significant insight into the link between energy and sustainable development, and directly contributes to the formation of a sustainable energy policy for Cambodia.

China has re-emerged to become a dominant foreign player in Cambodia. Politically, Cambodia is one of China's oldest and closest allies. Economically, China is Cambodia's top foreign investor, a major donor, and an increasingly important trading partner. Culturally, Chinese values are deeply embedded in many aspects of Cambodian society. However, China's dominance is surrounded by renewed controversies. While the government warmly welcomes Chinese aid, saying that it comes with no strings attached, many experts are concerned that China is providing aid for more nefarious reasons. Critics also accuse Chinese investment and aid of having exacerbated corruption, weakened governance and harmed human rights, and of ruining Cambodia's natural resources and environment. With such controversies, it is relevant and significant to assess the roles that China has played and continues to play in Cambodia's socio-economic development. Using expert interviews, media analysis and an extensive literature review, this paper uniquely contributes to the existing discussion on China–Cambodia relations by closely examining the controversies of China's investment and aid, critically analysing China's interests in Cambodia, and asking if the relationship between the two nations is a positive-sum game.