Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Asia-Europe relations, vowing to maintain an active role in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process.
Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, made the remarks on ASEM Day, celebrated on March 1, highlighting the bloc’s pivotal role in fostering cooperation between the two continents.
“It is a great pleasure and honor to join other ASEM partners around the world in celebrating ASEM Day,” Prak Sokhonn said. “This special occasion marks nearly three decades of multilateral engagement aimed at building enduring partnerships across sectors.”
Since its inception in 1996, ASEM has become a significant global platform, comprising 53 partners from Asia and Europe. Collectively, these nations account for approximately 65 percent of global GDP, 60 percent of the world’s population, 75 percent of global tourism, and 68 percent of global trade.
Prak Sokhonn emphasized ASEM’s achievements in addressing global challenges through consensus-driven diplomacy. “Guided by principles of equal partnership, mutual respect, and shared interests, ASEM has advanced political dialogue, economic cooperation, and trade, while jointly tackling issues such as connectivity, climate change, and security threats ranging from terrorism to maritime security and cybercrime,” he stated.
As geopolitical tensions mount, he underscored ASEM’s role in promoting peace, sustainable development, and shared prosperity. “Despite current challenges, Cambodia, as an active member and Chair of the 13th ASEM Summit in 2021, remains confident in ASEM’s capacity to drive global cooperation,” he added.
Cambodia Calls for Stronger Security Cooperation in Indo-Pacific
Amid rising geopolitical uncertainties, Cambodia is reinforcing its commitment to regional security cooperation, urging deeper collaboration to address threats in the Indo-Pacific, from cybercrime to transnational terrorism.
General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), stressed Cambodia’s position during the virtual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) meeting on February 5. The high-level conference, chaired by Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, focused on strengthening security coordination across the region.
Pisen highlighted key security concerns, including cybercrime, transnational crime, terrorism, maritime security, climate change, and natural disasters. He called for enhanced intelligence-sharing, joint military exercises, and greater cooperation between civilian and defense agencies to reinforce stability.
The general reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief initiatives. His remarks align with pledges made by Prime Minister Hun Manet in December during talks with Paparo, where Cambodia reiterated its security cooperation with the U.S., particularly in efforts to locate the remains of missing American soldiers.
Regional Tensions Shape Indo-Pacific Security Outlook
The Indo-Pacific remains a hotspot for geopolitical rivalry, with territorial disputes, major power competition, and emerging non-traditional security threats shaping the region’s landscape.
The South China Sea and Taiwan Strait remain flashpoints, as China asserts control over contested waters, drawing concern from Southeast Asian nations and the U.S. The broader U.S.-China competition continues to influence security dynamics, with regional players navigating strategic alignments.
Meanwhile, North Korea’s nuclear ambitions pose a persistent threat, particularly for South Korea and Japan. In Southeast Asia, the rise of cyberattacks and terrorism presents evolving security challenges, while maritime security remains a priority in safeguarding trade routes from piracy.
Beyond military threats, climate change and resource scarcity are emerging as destabilizing factors, particularly for island nations vulnerable to rising sea levels. Regional alliances such as the Quad (Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.), along with bilateral security agreements, are playing a critical role in mitigating these challenges.
As security concerns intensify, Cambodia’s proactive engagement in regional defense cooperation signals its intent to play a more active role in ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Cambodia’s Foreign Policy in a Shifting Global Order
With China’s growing economic and geopolitical influence reverberating across Southeast Asia, Cambodia’s deepening ties with Beijing have drawn international scrutiny. Over the past two decades, Phnom Penh has embraced China’s strategic ambitions, aligning with Beijing on key regional and global initiatives.
In 2010, Cambodia elevated its ties with China to a comprehensive strategic partnership, granting Beijing the highest diplomatic status in its foreign policy hierarchy. Today, the two nations maintain a relationship characterized by high-level political trust, extensive governmental engagement, and strong inter-party connections between the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the Chinese Communist Party.
China’s influence is not confined to economic ties. Beijing sees Cambodia as a crucial ally in advancing its global governance model and securing regional support amid tensions in the South China Sea. Cambodia, in turn, has been one of the first ASEAN nations to endorse China’s Global Security Initiative, Global Development Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative—policies aimed at reshaping the global order.
Economic Leverage and Political Survival
Phnom Penh’s alignment with China is also driven by domestic priorities. For Cambodia’s ruling elite, economic stability is essential for maintaining political legitimacy. Following a near-defeat in the 2013 general elections, the CPP reinforced its grip on power in 2018. However, continued Western pressure over democracy and human rights concerns has pushed Cambodia further into China’s orbit.
Between 2018 and 2021, Beijing pledged $588 million in aid to Cambodia, including over $100 million in military assistance. By 2024, Cambodia had received $17.7 billion in Chinese aid, underscoring Beijing’s role as Phnom Penh’s largest economic benefactor.
Hun Manet, who took office amid mounting economic challenges, has sought to maintain this trajectory, prioritizing infrastructure and logistical development to support Cambodia’s long-term economic transition. Unlike Western aid, which often comes with democratic reform conditions, Chinese assistance remains largely unconditional, reinforcing its appeal to Cambodian leadership.
China’s financial backing has also emboldened Cambodia to push back against regional rivals, particularly Thailand and Vietnam. Beijing supported Phnom Penh during the 2007 Preah Vihear border conflict with Thailand and continues to back Cambodia on contentious projects such as the China-funded Funan-Techo Canal, which has drawn objections from Vietnam.
Navigating a Delicate Diplomatic Balancing Act
Despite its close ties with China, Cambodia recognizes the need for strategic diversification. The Hun Manet administration has actively pursued relations with Japan, South Korea, and Australia while maintaining diplomatic engagement with the U.S. and Europe.
In ASEAN, Cambodia has sought to shed its reputation as Beijing’s proxy. It played a pivotal role in hosting the 2022 ASEAN Chairmanship, navigating complex geopolitical tensions, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the South China Sea disputes.
Phnom Penh has also demonstrated diplomatic autonomy on global issues, taking a firm stance against Russia’s war in Ukraine by co-sponsoring UN resolutions condemning Moscow’s aggression.
As Cambodia charts its course in a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment, its ability to balance great power politics will be crucial in maintaining stability, fostering economic growth, and preserving its strategic autonomy.
