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Union Development Group is building a massive Dara Sakor complex in a national park off the Cambodian coast, with runways capable of holding some of the world’s largest aircraft.
This Chinese real estate development corporation describes it as the largest regional development project of China’s Global Belt and Road initiative. The Chinese conglomerate and the Cambodian government have repeatedly denied reports from the West that the project is for military purposes.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said there were “credible reports” that Dara Sakor could be used to store Chinese military assets. The top US diplomat said: “If so, this would go against the Cambodian Constitution and could threaten the stability of the Indo-Pacific, possibly affecting Cambodia’s sovereignty and security.” safety of our allies. “
The Dara Sakor airport runway is built in Cambodia. Photo: New York Times.
The US Treasury Department said the company is a state-owned entity in China, sometimes falsely registered as Cambodian property to obtain land for the project. The ministry accused the company’s projects of forcing Cambodians to abandon their lands, destroying the environment and damaging the livelihoods of local communities.
Union Development Group did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Representatives of the Cambodian government and the Chinese Embassy in Washington have yet to comment.
The Cambodian government has repeatedly stated that the country will not serve as a base for any foreign army.
A Chinese construction project in the Dara Sakor complex. Photo: New York Times
“China’s permanent military presence in Cambodia could threaten regional stability, undermine prospects for peaceful dispute settlement, security,” the US Treasury Department announcement said. maritime, freedom of navigation and overflight “.
The Dara Sakor project started in 2008 after Cambodia leased 45,000 hectares to the Chinese company in the national park for 99 years. The company said it plans to invest $ 3.8 billion in building a resort alongside residential, commercial and industrial properties.
Xuan Mai (Reuters)
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