Analysts Say Upcoming Joint Military Exercise Signals Strongest Cambodia–U.S. Relations in Years

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 27, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodian analysts say the announcement of an upcoming joint military exercise with the United States marks the strongest point in bilateral relations in years.

The assessment follows confirmation by Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, who told reporters Monday that Cambodia and the United States will hold joint military drills next month.

Chey Tech, a socio-economic and geopolitical researcher, said ties have deepened under the seventh mandate of the Royal Government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet.

“Cambodia–U.S. relations are now better than at any time in recent years, especially after Cambodia strengthened its ties with the United States through the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement and trade agreements with President Donald Trump,” he said.

He noted that recent developments extend beyond diplomacy. “The United States has lifted its arms embargo on Cambodia, reopened opportunities for Cambodian cadets to study at U.S. military academies, and resumed joint military exercises that had been suspended for nearly eight years,” Tech added.

Washington lifted the arms embargo, imposed in December 2021, following a landmark meeting between Trump and Hun Manet in October 2025. At the time, the U.S. also announced the immediate resumption of the long-suspended “Angkor Sentinel” defense exercise, last held in 2017.

In another sign of warming ties, the U.S. Navy littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) docked at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base on January 23 for a four-day visit aimed at strengthening military-to-military cooperation.

Tech said the port call carried particular weight. “Relations have improved further in 2026 after the U.S. warship docked at Ream Naval Base, which was previously a sensitive issue that affected trust between the two countries. These new developments show clear progress in diplomatic, military, and economic relations,” he said.

During a courtesy call with Hun Manet at the Peace Palace on Monday, Admiral Paparo praised the progress of defense cooperation during his second visit to Cambodia. He reaffirmed U.S. respect for Cambodia’s territorial integrity, describing it as the foundation of bilateral relations for more than seven decades.

“U.S.–Cambodia relations span more than 76 years. The most important aspect of this relationship is the recognition of Cambodia’s territorial integrity,” Paparo said.