March 12, 2024
PHNOM PENH – In late February, senior US diplomats and defence officials met with high-ranking Cambodian leaders in what analysts suggest is a strategic shift by the US towards enhancing mutual understanding, moving away from their previous minimal dialogue approach.
Kin Phea, director of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, opined that he has not as yet seen any signs that Cambodia-US relations have improved.
“It can be said that both sides are making efforts to understand each other better … Currently, there appears to be an increase in such discussions, as both parties strive to learn more about one another. This signifies an engagement approach, aimed at fostering connections through dialogue,” he commented.
US Department of State assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink and principle deputy assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific Security Jed Royal visited Cambodia on February 26.
During the trip, they met with Prime Minister Hun Manet to discuss deepening US-Cambodia bilateral relations and address issues of shared concern, as confirmed by the US embassy in Phnom Penh.
The embassy stated on their official social media that ongoing cooperation was a key discussion point.
It said Kritenbrink emphasised the US’ commitment to supporting the Cambodian people in their pursuit of a prosperous, democratic and independent nation where all voices are heard and respected, and Cambodia’s sovereignty is safeguarded.
Phea said the US continues to uphold its stance on democracy and human rights in Cambodia, noting that these issues have historically been conditions for the US to strengthen its relationship with the Kingdom.
“While the US continues to speak about Cambodia’s sovereignty and independence, such statements are often superficial. Essentially, this implies the US’ expectation that Cambodia should not host foreign military bases on its soil as a means of preserving its sovereignty and independence.
“This specifically alludes to the US’ previous accusations of Cambodia hosting a Chinese military installation at the Ream Naval Base. That’s the underlying message the US is conveying,” he explained.
Navigating challenges, building ties
Thong Mengdavid, a research fellow at the Asian Vision Institute’s (AVI) Mekong Centre for Strategic Studies, observed that Cambodia always welcomes constructive and open talks with the US.
However, he acknowledged that issues such as human rights and democracy remain challenges in rebuilding relations between the two nations.
He noted that Manet, a graduate of US military academy West Point, has established good relations with some US military leaders.
He said the meeting between the two sides is expected to provide an opportunity to understand military needs and explore cooperation between Cambodia and the US.
He added that this, in particular, may lead to the resumption of the Angkor Sentinel exercise at a suitable time to bolster and develop the military capacities of both the Cambodian and US armed forces.
“[Manet] is a smart, flexible and realistic diplomatic strategist. He clearly understands the importance of restoring and enhancing relations with the US to rebuild trust and increase cooperation, especially in trade, law and military fields,” Mengdavid stated.
“Cambodia does not welcome any accusation of being a foreign puppet or against any foreign nation. As a sovereign state, the Kingdom seeks to maintain good relations and cooperation with both the US and China, who play important roles in global economic development and security,” he added.
Ro Vannak, co-founder of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy, told The Post that the visit was part of the US’ free and open Asia-Pacific geopolitical strategy, aimed at protecting the interests of the US and its allies.
“I think the US is trying to reach out to Cambodia to strengthen bilateral relations for the benefit of both countries and for the US’ regional interests. However, there are still differences regarding the democratic and human rights agenda, besides security concerns about China’s presence and influence in Cambodia, particularly with Cambodian leaders,” he explained.
Manet said on his official social media that during his meeting with Kristenbrink, the US official reaffirmed the US’ commitment to continue working closely with Cambodia.
He said this cooperation is expected to strengthen and expand, especially when Cambodia becomes a facilitator for ASEAN-US dialogue from July 2024 to July 2027.
“Kristenbrink also highly appreciated the government’s stance on regional and international affairs. In the meeting, [both leaders] discussed strengthening and expanding cooperation in mutually beneficial sectors including trade, investment and people-to-people contacts, as well as defence and security,” read the post.
In its own tweet following a February 26 meeting with Minister of Defence Tea Seiha, the US’ Office of East Asian and Pacific Affairs said both sides had a productive discussion on how they can deepen their relationship and address issues of common concern.
“[We] look forward to opportunities to engage Cambodian leadership on security challenges facing the region,” Kristenbrink was quoted as saying.
In a discussion with Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) commander-in-chief General Vong Pisen on the same day, Royal discussed enhancing relations and cooperation between the two countries.
Pisen requested the US’ continued support in training human resources, exchanging military visits at all levels, sharing intelligence to combat terrorism and transnational crime, and cooperating with the RCAF in peacekeeping, humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
“[Royal] highlighted the poor relations between the two armies. To demonstrate sincerity, [Royal] recommended two measures: firstly, increasing US support for demining, and secondly, enhancing the selection process for candidates studying at the US Security Center,” said the RCAF on its website.