With 20% of its coast controlled by a Chinese firm and a key naval base renovated with Chinese funds, Cambodia has become Beijing's chief regional extension.
Ignoring the Hun Sen regime's hereditary succession is to nullify the international community's efforts to turn Cambodia into a democracy.
By rejecting the proposal, Cambodia hampers ASEAN maritime security unity, aiding China in influencing member states for its regional agenda.
The ceremony includes a speech from Fumio Kishida, and the attendance of foreign leaders such as Kamala Harris, Antony Albanese and Narendra Modi.
The prime minister’s visit follows Russia’s autocratic actions, as concern rises over China taking action against Taiwan, or in the Indian Ocean and South and East...