Cambodia

From: Christine Pothier <cpothier01@yahoo.ca>

Date: Jan 12, 2006 9:19 PM

Subject: [Vsg] Cambodia

Dear group,

I realize my question is not directly related to

Vietnam (my apologies). I'm wondering if anyone has

conducted research on Cold War history using Chinese

archival sources. I'm curious as to the relationship

between Cambodia and China during the 1970s and 80s

and I'm considering looking into it. My concern is

access to sources.

Best,

From: ANG Cheng Guan (HSSE) <angcg@nie.edu.sg>

Date: Jan 13, 2006 5:54 PM

Subject: RE: [Vsg] Cambodia

Dear Christine,

I am probably not the best person to answer your question. But it is area related to my interests and research so perhaps I could share you what I know. I think it is difficult to obtain Chinese archival materials on Chinese relations with Cambodia because it is still a very sensitive topic. In my own research, I found that one can find quite a lot of material on this subject by reading the works of scholars working on Cambodia especially the Pol Pot period. There are collections of Khmer Rouge documents which have been translated and published in English. Also, the transcripts of conversations between Kissinger and Zhou Enlai contain useful information on Chinese-Cambodia relations. Also, in Vietnamese sources, there are also references to Chinese-Cambodia relations. All these in combination with monitored broadcasts materials, I think one can construct a tentative description.

As far I know, Beijing has made available official documents related to the Bandung Conference, and that's in the 1950s. With the controversy and uncertainties over the Khmer Rouge trials, I don't think the Chinese will be keen on sharing any documents with scholars.

Having said that, I may be completely off the mark. Professor Chen Jian was a great help to me when I was doing my own research. He knows a lot about Chinese sources and I would recommend you contact him. He is now at Cornell.

Best regards,

Cheng Guan