Hun Xen's dare confront China by supporting India's bid to the Security Council seat?

Hun Xen's visit to India

Cambodia Supports India Security Council Bid

Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Phnom Penh Monday, 15 November 2010

“China will not be disappointed in India's becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council, because China's social and economic developments are at a higher level than India's.” - CPP Cheam Yiep

Cambodian officials say they support India's bid to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council, while some took issue with the notion such a move could anger China.

US President Barrack Obama said on a trip through Asia last week that the US would support India's move to the Security Council, which would place it alongside Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.

Analysts have said such a move could draw the ire of China, which sees India as a growing regional rival.

However, Cambodian observers said last week there was room for both.

“China will not be disappointed in India's becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council, because China's social and economic developments are at a higher level than India's,” said Cheam Yiep, a senior National Assembly lawmaker for the ruling Cambodian People's Party.

The rising power of both countries “will provide warmth, improvement and balance, making comfortable conditions for the development of Cambodia,” he said. Cambodia has political ties with each side that help regional stability and security, he added.

Koy Kuong, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Cambodia's policy was of support for India's Security Council seat.

“The presence of India on the UN Security Council contributes to greater responsibility for the world's problems,” he said, adding that it would “not stir up conflict with China.”

However, Am Sam Ath, lead investigator for the rights group Licadho, said Cambodia did risk raising China's disappointment for too strongly supporting India's Security Council bid.