AKP Phnom Penh, January 26, 2026 --

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) this evening 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 Sept. 5, 2025, particularly Article 29 (4), as well as the Sub-decree on the Implementation of the Law on Nationality dated Dec. 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 taken after the discovery that the nationality had been obtained irregularly, emphasising that the process reflected Cambodia’s firm adherence to the rule of law and constituted 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 in maintaining peace, stability, and socio-economic development, while effectively combating transnational crimes.

By C. Nika