Cambodia clarifies legal grounds for Chen Zhi’s expulsion to China

Image: Chinese television footage shows US-indicted tycoon Chen Zhi being escorted by armed police. CCTV

#National

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) yesterday clarified the legal proceedings and deportation of Chen Zhi, following media enquiries regarding the case.

According to the MFAIC’s spokesperson, Cambodia’s decision to deport Chen Zhi to China, his country of origin, was carried out fully in accordance with Cambodian law and in line with the Kingdom’s commitments to mutual legal assistance and legal cooperation.

Regarding the revocation of Chen Zhi’s Cambodian citizenship, the spokesperson explained that the action strictly complied with the Law on the Amendment to the Law on Nationality dated September 5, 2025, particularly Article 29 (4), as well as the Sub-decree on the Implementation of the Law on Nationality dated December 1, 2025, under Article 52 (4). These provisions stipulate that Khmer nationality acquired through forgery or false information during the application process may be revoked.

The spokesperson stressed that the deportation was a sovereign legal decision made after it was discovered that the nationality had been obtained irregularly. They highlighted that the process reflected Cambodia’s firm commitment to the rule of law and was a standard legal procedure.

The MFAIC further underscored that Cambodia’s system of checks and balances remains robust, noting that the transfer of individuals under a legal framework is a formal matter of judicial cooperation and mutual legal assistance, consistent with both domestic laws and international obligations.

Such decisive legal actions, the spokesperson added, underscore Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to international cooperation to maintain peace, stability, and socio-economic development while effectively combating transnational crime. AKP