Interview: Cambodian politicians, scholar hail CPC for leading China to peace, prosperity

Cambodian politicians and an academic have hailed the Communist Party of China (CPC) for leading China to peace, stability and prosperity as the party marks its 94th founding anniversary on Wednesday.

Lawmaker Sok Eysan, a spokesman for the ruling Cambodian People 's Party, said the CPC has transformed China, which was once a poor country experiencing hardships, into a peaceful, stabilized, and prosperous society.

China has now become one of the world's most important countries and the world's second largest economy, he told Xinhua.

He said under the CPC's leadership, China has enjoyed rapid economic growth and development. On international affairs, China has maintained and broadened its relations and cooperation with countries around the globe, he added.

"Moreover, China and its investors have actively contributed to the socio-economic development in developing countries, especially those in Asia and Africa," he said.

The spokesman also appreciated CPC's efforts to fight corruption by bringing a number of corrupt high-ranking officials to the court of law for punishment.

Sam Rainsy, president of the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, expressed his belief that China would continue to achieve success in the future under the leadership of the CPC. "If I were Chinese, I would be proud of China under the leadership of the CPC because the CPC has brought China to prosperity and a greater role on the international arena after centuries of humiliation by external major powers," he told Xinhua in a telephone interview.

He said China is the best friend of Cambodia, so China's progress will definitely benefit Cambodia.

Meanwhile, he admired the CPC for prioritizing the strategy of good governance, reform and opening up the economy, and its anti- corruption endeavors. "This is a right and clear strategy. China has taken strict and effective measures against corruption. I'd like to express my respect and appreciation (to the CPC)...," he said.

Sharing his opinion on the strict administration of the CPC, Sam Rainsy said since Chinese top leaders have high qualifications and gain respect from the people, the strict administration of the CPC would build a clean and strong CPC.

Nhek Bun Chhay, second vice-president of the royalist Funcinpec Party, said he has witnessed China's strong progress in the last three decades. "When I first visited Beijing in 1983, China was still poor. There were no high-rise buildings, not many cars and only bicycles, " he said. "Now,it is completely different, China is as progressive as western countries."

He said the outstanding achievements that the CPC has made included rapid economic development, poverty reduction, and anti- corruption.

Chheang Vannarith, lecturer of the Asia Pacific Studies at the University of Leeds in Britain, said the CPC has led China to peace, stability, and prosperity.

China has now become one of the global actors, he said.

He added that the CPC has achieved significant results from its anti-corruption campaign, strengthening state institutions, and empowering the private sector in economic development. "China's economy has been strongly connected and integrated with the world," he said. "China is going to be a global actor in maintaining freedom of navigation and fighting against piracy and forces that may interrupt the freedom of navigation."

Commenting on the strict administration of the CPC, he said China needs a clean, strong and accountable CPC for China's continued rise. "(Chinese) President Xi (Jinping) needs a few more years to accomplish that mission. He has proved his leadership in setting a clear vision and mobilizing the necessary energy and resources to realize that vision. What he needs now is time," said Vannarith who is also chairman of the Cambodian Institute for Strategic Studies. Endi