Relationship in the Shadow of Vietnam: the GDR and Cambodia/Kampuchea 1969–1989
Relationship in the Shadow of Vietnam: the GDR and Cambodia/Kampuchea 1969–1989

Summary/Abstract: Until 1990, the GDR had varying degrees of bilateral ties with Cambodia: friendly-constructive during the rule of Sihanouk for ten months in 1969/1970; very distant between 1970 and 1974; none at all and outright hostility under Pol Pot between 1975 and 1979; and finally relatively close but restricted by the Vietnamese side between 1979 and 1990. Unlike other socialist countries, the GDR was able to establish contacts with Cambodia only belatedly due to the West German strategy of isolating the GDR diplomatically between 1955 and 1969. Once those hard-fought ties were achieved, however, the relationship between the GDR and Cambodia over the next 20 years resembled a roller coaster ride due to the Sino-Soviet Conflict and, as a result, the divergent interests and policies of Cambodia’s changing patrons, namely Vietnam and China. The GDR was rather subject to these currents than being able to shape them in any significant way

• Details
• Contents