Chinese Communist party high ranking officials Tuesday meet with high ranking Khmer officials to strengthen cooperation and relationship, but officials who monitor the Cambodian political situation call this visit an effort from the Chinese side to ease political tension on border issues between former King Sihanouk and Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Mr. Liv Yun Shang member of the general office of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee and chairman on educational propaganda of this committee met with Mr. Chea Sim, leader of the Senate and president of the CPP, King Sihamoni, Prince Ranaridh, speaker of the National Assembly and leader of Funcinpec party, and Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Prince Ranaridh declines to comment and let his spokesman, Mr. Chea Chan Boribo talk to reporters instaed. He says that this visit is to strenghten cooperation between the two countries.
Political analysts said that it seems that China is concerned about the political tension in Cambodia, between former King Sihanouk and Mr. Hun Sen on border issues with Vietnam, and sent this delegation to help ease it.
Mr. Keo Remy, opposition Sam Rainsy party legislator agrees with this analysis, saying China has influence on Cambodia through its aids and it is a country donor. Ms. Chea Vannath, chairwoman of the Center for Social Development said that it looks like the Chinese leaders want to have political stability in Cambodia.
The ruling parties officials dismiss this view saying China does not interfere with Cambodia's internal affairs.