Can Cambodia fill the gap left by EU sanctions with China FTA?

Rivalry between Beijing and the West comes to a head in Mekong Valley

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Apparel is one of Cambodia's largest exports, with over 40% of total shipments headed to the European Union. © Reuters

TORU TAKAHASHI, Editor-in-Chief, Editorial Headquarters for Asia

BANGKOK -- As China's hard-handed diplomacy deepens its rifts with not only the U.S. and Australia, but also a previously friendly Europe, Cambodia has drawn attention as an example of how smaller countries can navigate the growing global divide.

Back in February, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen visited China despite the raging coronavirus outbreak there to meet with President Xi Jinping, who at their meeting essentially urged him not to cave in to European Union pressure.

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