U.S. and China as Bedfellows

The Voice of America provides this editorial reflecting the views of the United States government.

U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli says, "We will also continue to focus on the importance of and need for an independent judiciary in Cambodia. It is only through respect for the rule of law and the existence of effective democratic institutions that regimes like that of the Khmer Rouge will exist only in the sad annals of history."

Hence there is nothing here which hasn't already been covered in previous media watch posts at Tan and Trev.
But compare it with this piece from The Telegraph of Culcutta, India. According to it, critics say interference from China is whittling away the tribunal's power and credibility - but on matters that sound vaguely familiar.

To remove the trial’s credibility ... Beijing used its influence at the UN ... to reduce the role of international judges and give control of the tribunal to local Cambodian authorities.

How odd. As previously chronicled here, the U.S. too is lobbying for more a reduced level of involvement by international judges. Before providing further monies, it wants to ensure that the local authorities will meet international standards of justice.

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