Cambodia’s army to resume joint military exercises with the US next year

Phnom Penh, Cambodia - The Royal Cambodian Army has announced plans to resume joint military exercises with the United States early next year, following a nearly decade-long hiatus. The announcement was made via the army's Facebook page after several high-level meetings aimed at repairing strained relations between the two nations. Cambodia last conducted such joint exercises with the U.S. in 2017.

The two countries have agreed to hold a joint drill called "Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2027" in February. This move is seen as a positive step in overcoming differences, particularly Washington's concerns about Cambodia's close economic and political ties with China. The exercise will focus on improving "interoperability and disaster-response capabilities," reflecting a renewed commitment to strengthening defense cooperation between the nations.

The U.S. has been especially wary of China's growing military presence at a Cambodian navy base on the Gulf of Thailand, where Beijing assisted with a major upgrade. While Cambodia has denied these allegations, the U.S. has expressed its suspicions. Additionally, the U.S. has criticized Cambodia's human rights record, citing ongoing clampdowns on political dissidents and critics, often through legal action by courts reportedly under the influence of the ruling Cambodian People's Party led by Prime Minister Hun Manet.

On August 14, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet held talks with Elbridge A. Colby, the Under Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Department of War, focusing on bilateral relations and defense matters. Colby is the third-ranking official in the War Department.