PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Recent developments in Cambodia’s military cooperation with China, including the docking of Chinese warships, have raised concerns among regional experts and the United States (US), centering on the potential impact on US interests in the region, the stability of the South China Sea, and Cambodia’s position within ASEAN.
China has sent two warships to Cambodia at the Kingdom’s request, aimed at strengthening Cambodia’s capacity to maintain peace, stability and security, as well as support rescue operations and humanitarian activities at sea, according to the National Defense Ministry.
Sophal Ear, associate professor at Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, said on Tuesday, September 10, Chinese warships in Cambodia could counterbalance US influence, potentially escalating tensions in the South China Sea and impacting regional stability.
He said that in the South China Sea, where disputes persist, this development could further solidify existing claims and lead to an increase in military presence.
The impact on regional stability hinges on how both sides manage these collaborations, Ear said, although he added that “any perception of increased militarization could escalate tensions.”
Balance out the approach
The US has traditionally prioritized maintaining a power balance in Southeast Asia, and China’s expanding military presence poses a challenge to that goal, he noted.
While the US is closely observing these developments, its response is likely to be measured, focusing on diplomatic channels, economic aid, and soft power to maintain its regional influence without escalating tensions, Ear added.
Pa Chanroeun, head of Cambodian Institute for Democracy, said on Wednesday, September 11, the docking of Chinese warships in Cambodia is intended to bolster bilateral military and humanitarian cooperation. However, it is expected to generate apprehension in the US given the “existing rivalry” between the two superpowers in the region, especially regarding the South China Sea.
“This development could further strain the already delicate relationship between the US and Cambodia, as previous efforts to improve ties have not been entirely successful,” Chanroeun said.
He added that Cambodia’s growing military ties with China could be seen as aligning with China’s position on the South China Sea, potentially impacting Cambodia’s neutrality within ASEAN.
To maintain a balanced approach, Cambodia could benefit from strengthening its military relationship with the US through capacity-building programmes and joint exercises.
‘There remains room’
Ear said the US still has opportunities to engage with Cambodia, especially in critical areas, including maritime security, humanitarian aid and disaster relief, which are increasingly important due to the region’s vulnerabilities.
The US can provide expertise and support tailored to Cambodia’s needs, particularly by promoting multilateral security frameworks that include ASEAN nations. This approach would offer Cambodia more diverse partnerships, fostering a more balanced security environment, he added.
“There remains room for the US to engage with Cambodia, especially in areas like maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, which are increasingly vital given the region’s vulnerabilities.
“This approach would provide Cambodia with diversified partnerships, ensuring a more balanced security environment,” Ear remarked.
US embassy spokesperson, Wesley Holzer, said on Tuesday that greater transparency regarding China’s activities at Ream Naval Base and other locations would benefit Cambodia, its neighbors, ASEAN, and the broader region.
He said the US and Cambodia have continued to strengthen their bilateral defense relationship to support regional peace and security, building upon discussions held during US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit in June.
This includes various exchanges, such as training on disaster assistance, peacekeeping, demining, unexploded ordnance clearing and professional military education.
‘It’s merely an exaggeration’
Chum Sounry, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said on Wednesday that during Austin’s visit to Cambodia on June 5, discussions focused on opportunities to bolster the US-Cambodia defense relationship in support of regional peace and security.
These opportunities include resuming military training exchanges on disaster assistance and United Nations peacekeeping, training and exchanges on unexploded ordnance clearance, and increasing Cambodia’s access to US professional military education programs, Sounry said.
“This fact clearly proves the increasing Cambodia-US defense relationship and the opportunities to strengthen this relationship in support of regional peace and security.
“Therefore, the speculation that the expected donation of two coastal patrol ships from China at Cambodia’s request to enhance its naval capabilities will affect the Cambodia-US relations is merely an exaggeration and has no ground,” Sounry said. – Rappler.com
Prak Chan Thul, Kiripost‘s Editor-in-Chief, is a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience, including 14 years at Reuters. He is one of Rappler’s #FactsMatter Fellows for 2024.