The Chinese government has called on its ally Cambodia to take legal action against Chinese investors who have broken the law, the National Police have said.
On Thursday, police chief Neth Savoeun met Liao Jingrong, head of China’s General Department of International Cooperation, who also requested additional security be provided for Chinese law-abiding citizens in Cambodia.
Kirth Chantharith, police spokesman, could not be reached for comment.
In late February, Yon Min, the Sihanoukville governor, issued a report which alleged that an influx of Chinese tourists and organized criminals had caused instability in the city and led to a shortage of accommodation.
More than 1,000 Chinese nationals have been arrested and deported from Cambodia since 2012 relating to online scams being run out of Cambodia.
Meas Ny, a social researcher, said the “crisis” could lead to discrimination against Chinese in Cambodia. “We cannot survive long and we will lose even our land because we do not get along with anybody. This is currently a crisis for Khmer.”
Cambodia and China have strong ties while China has provided billions of dollars in loans and other development assistance to Phnom Penh in recent years.