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The 60,000-capacity stadium is the latest project under the initiative Belt and Road China’s trillions of dollars, a plan to fund infrastructure projects and increase Beijing’s influence abroad.
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The handover of the stadium, which is intended as the main venue when Cambodia hosts the 2023 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), was carried out by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a visit.
Cambodian Tourism Minister Thong Khon said the $150 million stadium was China’s biggest grant to Cambodia for an infrastructure project.
Located in the Cambodian capital, Morodok Techo National Stadium resembles a sailing ship, symbolizing the long-standing friendship between the two countries when Chinese people used to travel to Cambodia by boat.
It is surrounded by a moat that echoes the body of water that surrounds the Angkor Wat temple complex.
Prime Minister Hun Sen has in recent years faced criticism for his dependence on Beijing. But he defended relations between the two countries yesterday, saying China is a “trusted and respected friend”.
“Did I make a mistake in contacting our friend China when we have achieved this kind of result?” he asked, referring to the new stadium grant.
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