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PHNOM PENH: Cambodian security guards broke up a small protest near the Chinese embassy on Friday opposing alleged plans to boost Beijing’s military presence in the country, as police detained some protesters for questioning .
After brief scuffles, city security guards drove three protesters to a nearby police van, according to live broadcast from local media and Reuters witnesses.
“We reject the Chinese military presence in Cambodia,” a protester shouted, waving a Cambodian flag, as a police officer with a loud megaphone gave the group five minutes to disperse.
The Cambodian government has repeatedly denied reports that China had reached a secret agreement to allow it to station forces at the Ream Naval Base, saying that hosting foreign forces would be against Cambodia’s constitution.
Phnom Penh police spokesman San Sok Seyha said the detainees had been brought in for questioning as a permit had not been granted for the demonstration.
“We need to protect the embassy and maintain public order for all people,” he said.
Previously, police officers at the scene had told some journalists to delete photos and videos of the altercation, according to Reuters witnesses.
Friday’s protest was part of a larger rally organized by the disbanded Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) to mark the 29th anniversary of the Paris Peace Agreement that ended Cambodia’s civil war, the former CNRP vice president said. , Mu Sochua.
Cambodia, which is among the poorest nations in Asia, has been an important ally of China in recent years and has been accused of giving Beijing influence in exchange for financial support. Cambodia has insisted that its foreign and security policy is independent.
The CNRP was dissolved at the request of the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen, who accused the party of conspiring to seize power with the help of Washington. The CNRP and the US embassy in Cambodia have denied the accusation.
The Chinese embassy did not immediately respond to request for comment.
