Welcoming U.S. Warship, Cambodia Signals Neutrality in Shifting Indo-Pacific

PHNOM PENH, Jan 28, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia is underscoring what analysts describe as “active neutrality” in the Indo-Pacific as it steps up military and diplomatic engagement with both the United States and China.

In recent weeks, Phnom Penh hosted the U.S. warship USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) at Ream Naval Base for a four-day visit, announced plans for joint military drills with Washington, and joined the U.S.-led Board of Peace.

The moves follow Washington’s December decision to lift a longstanding arms embargo and revive the Angkor Sentinel defense exercise, suspended since 2017 after high-level talks between U.S. and Cambodian leaders.

Geopolitical analyst Chey Tech said the developments highlight Cambodia’s bid to balance ties with major powers without straying from its constitutional policy of neutrality.

“Cambodia’s relations with the United States are broader than ever, spanning military, economic and diplomatic sectors,” Tech told KPT English. He noted that while some neighbors, such as Thailand, have leaned closer to China, Cambodia continues to engage both Washington and Beijing through cooperation and exercises.

He pointed to strong economic links with both powers, citing Chinese investment in 2025 and Cambodian exports worth $12.75 billion to the United States the same year. Tech added that Phnom Penh’s participation in peace initiatives could also extend to frameworks backed by China and Russia, reinforcing its neutral stance.

Yang Peou, Secretary-General of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said expanding defense ties with Washington would help build trust and stability.

“In many maritime nations, it is common to conduct joint exercises with multiple partners,” Peou said. “Engaging with the United States, China and others strengthens Cambodia’s defense capabilities without altering its non-aligned position.”

The diplomatic backdrop includes high-level contacts between Cambodian and U.S. officials. During a courtesy call at the Peace Palace, Admiral Samuel Paparo — on his second visit to Cambodia — reaffirmed Washington’s respect for Cambodia’s territorial integrity, calling it the foundation of more than seven decades of bilateral relations.

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