Part 2/15:
For years, Cambodia served as a pivotal Asian partner for China, taking on approximately $20 billion in debt in exchange for massive infrastructure projects. These included the development of the port in Sihanoukville, a new international airport in Phnom Penh, and upgrades at Ree Naval Base. These projects bolstered China's strategic footprint in the region, with Cambodia often acting as a conduit for Chinese influence, especially in the South China Sea. Notably, Cambodia used its influence within ASEAN to block criticisms of China’s maritime claims and sometimes became a hub for Chinese crime networks involved in illegal activities such as gambling and trafficking.