ASEANEWS HEADLINE | CAMBODIA: Embassy condemns fake news in Chinese about coup in Cambodia
Prime Minister Hun Manet (R) meets with Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin to discuss cooperation between Cambodia and China on August 22, 2024. KT/ Khem Sovannara
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The Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, through Ambassador Wang Wenbin, has issued a strong condemnation of a recent report on social media claiming a military coup had taken place in the Kingdom to topple Prime Minister Hun Manet and arrest Senate President Hun Sen, who is also the President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP).
Ambassador Wang’s reaction came as Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence denied a video clip in Chinese on TikTok that claimed a coup had taken place. The fabricated news story has been described as a malicious attempt to sow discord and destabilise the country.
Memento Maxima Digital MarketingThe disinformation, which emerged in a video clip circulated on social media, alleged that former Defence Minister Tea Banh, along with Deputy Prime Minister and current Minister of National Defence General Tea Seiha, and senior leaders of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), had orchestrated a coup d’état.
“We condemn the fabrication and spread of fake news and are working together with Cambodian friends in the joint fight against such abomination every step of the way,” Ambassador Wang said on Thursday in a firm rebuke of the false report.
Wang’s remarks also reflect the ongoing commitment of China to its diplomatic relationship with Cambodia, highlighting the strategic partnership that has been nurtured between the two nations over decades.
So Naro, Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister in charge of ASEAN affairs, commented on the matter, noting that the Ambassador’s strong response is indicative of the Chinese government’s dedication to supporting Cambodia.
He added that this support extends beyond diplomatic relations, encompassing efforts to combat disinformation, cross-border crime, and other challenges that threaten the stability of both nations.
“Wang Wenbin will continue to support Cambodian-Chinese diplomatic relations and further promote the fight against false information, cross-border crime prevention, and cooperation from the top leadership to the ordinary people,” Naro said.
Yang Peou, Secretary-General of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said that the CPP and the government have long faced internal and external pressures aimed at creating division.
According to Peou, such divisive tactics, often fuelled by foreign influence, are not new and have been a persistent challenge for successive generations of Cambodian politicians.
Lieutenant General Mali Socheata, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defence, categorically denied the claims made in the fake news report, labelling it as a deliberate attempt to distort reality and incite unrest.
She assured the public that the Ministry of National Defence is fully committed to holding those responsible for the dissemination of such falsehoods accountable.
“The Ministry of National Defence will take all possible measures to bring the extremists and those involved to full responsibility before the law,” Lt Gen Socheata added.
She noted that the leadership within the RCAF, officers, deputies, and soldiers, remain steadfast in their loyalty to the legitimate government under Mr Hun Manet. The military is determined to protect the nation’s unity, peace, and stability from any extremist threats.
In a related event, Ambassador Wang, speaking at the 66th anniversary celebration of Sino-Cambodian diplomatic relations, reinforced the strength of the bilateral relationship.
He highlighted the “steel friendship” between the two countries, which he described as being deeply rooted in mutual respect and shared benefits.
“The Sino-Cambodian relations are not just ordinary relations, but a steel friendship and good relations between the people and the people, countries and countries,” Wang said during the event.
He reiterated that China views Cambodia as a true and good friend and expressed China’s commitment to continuing its support for Cambodia in various sectors, ensuring the further strengthening of ties between the two nations.
Hang Punreay / Khmer Times
