20 January 1976

Mcarthur writes in @latimes that Zhou Enlai’s death must be a “bitter experience” for Sihanouk, as the main reason for his return to Cambodia was to pay Zhou political debt. Sihanouk’s friendship with Zhou were one of his only good card in his dealings with Khmer Rouge leaders.

China’s premier, Zhou Enlai, died. The news provokes suspicion in the Cambodian foreign ministry:

“We must beware of China. It is true that we owe her a good deal, and it is a great country. But she wants to make us her satellite.”