via China Daily, 04 April 2019: Chinese soft power playing out in Southeast Asia through cultural heritage preservation.
In an interview with Xinhua News Agency in January, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona thanked the Chinese government for supporting her country in preserving its national heritage. She also expressed hope for skills exchanges through such collaboration.
“We’re confident in the abilities of Chinese experts, and through these projects, we hope that Cambodian experts will be capable of renovating temples by themselves in the future,” Sackona said.
China became involved at Angkor after joining the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor, also known as ICCAngkor, an international campaign launched by Cambodia and UNESCO in 1993. It also funded years of excavation and renovation of the Ta Keo Temple at Angkor, which was built about 1,000 years ago.
Source: Nation plays vital role in safeguarding and showcasing regional landmarks – Chinadaily.com.cn
