Cambodian Embassy in Japan Rejects Nikkei Asia Opinion Piece on Democracy and Economy

Cambodia’s embassy in Japan has rejected an opinion article published by Nikkei Asia, stating it offered an incomplete and unbalanced view of the country’s political and economic development. In a statement issued Tuesday, the embassy responded to a July 13 piece by former opposition politician Mu Sochua, headlined “Cambodia’s democracy died slowly after Kem Ley’s murder.” The embassy said it respected freedom of expression and the role of the media but argued readers should also have access to “balanced and objective analysis” on Cambodia. It described the article as reflecting the author’s political views, noting Mu Sochua has long campaigned against the government from abroad. Rejecting the claim that democracy had ceased to exist, the embassy said Cambodia continued to operate under its constitution with functioning institutions, regular elections and reforms in governance, public administration and the judiciary. It highlighted economic and social progress over the past two decades, citing recognition from the World Bank, IMF and Asian Development Bank of Cambodia’s recovery after the Covid‑19 pandemic. Improvements in living standards, education, healthcare, infrastructure and social protection were attributed to political stability and national reconciliation. The embassy also dismissed what it called a narrow portrayal of foreign policy, stressing Cambodia’s independent approach based on sovereignty, mutual respect and non‑interference. It underscored ties with Japan as one of its closest development partners, pointing to cooperation in peacebuilding, legal reform, infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic growth. Concluding, the embassy urged observers to assess Cambodia through “objective evidence, balanced analysis and direct engagement,” while acknowledging the country, like others, continues to face challenges.