Cambodia: Authorities investigating the murder of a Chinese national in Sihanoukville as of Aug. 9

Event

Authorities are investigating the murder of a Chinese national at Otres Beach in Sihanoukville the morning of Aug. 9. The perpetrators reportedly stabbed and shot the victim and left his body in front of Hotel 520 in Village 6, Sangkat 4, at around 01:00. Officials have apprehended four suspects, though a traffic accident during the police chase killed two of the perpetrators. The motive of the incident is yet unclear; possible reasons include a business or personal dispute prior to the traffic accident.

Context

Cambodia experiences an overall moderate threat of crime. Foreign nationals are sometimes targeted in armed robberies, but the murder of tourists and expatriates are uncommon. Nevertheless, there has been a series of attacks involving foreigners operating in Sihanoukville in recent years. In nearly all the reported incidents, both the victims and the perpetrators are foreign - usually Chinese - nationals. Authorities say that these attacks are usually linked to business or personal disputes, often involving gambling debts. Despite some reports indicating that resentment towards China has grown in Cambodia since the outbreak of COVID-19, crimes targeting Chinese citizens have been rare. Violence towards Chinese business and infrastructure operations in the country, including projects related to China's Belt and Road Initiative, has been minimal.