China-Cambodia relations have been shaped by economic cooperation, military ties and geopolitical harmony in recent years, and have played an important role in redefining the balance in the Asia-Pacific. On December 4, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Chairman of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and Senate President Hu Sen in Beijing and called for mutual support to consolidate the strong friendship between the two countries.[1]As a strategic part of the Belt and Road Initiative and an ally in Southeast Asia, Cambodia is of great importance to China. At the same time, Cambodia, which pursues a delicate balancing act in its relations with the United States (US), has become a geopolitical hub between the two great powers.
It would be right to talk about military cooperation and strategic partnership in the South China Sea as the most solid point of China-Cambodia relations. Cambodia stands out as a key military partner in China’s Asia-Pacific strategies. The modernization of the Ream Naval Base and China’s warship grant to Cambodia are important indicators of this military cooperation.[2]Although allegations that China will use this base for military operations have increased regional and global tensions, Cambodia has denied the allegations. On the other hand, the US plans to restart military training programs in Cambodia and increase economic cooperation.[3]
China-Cambodia military cooperation is of strategic importance not only in terms of regional security but also in the context of sovereignty struggles over the South China Sea. It can be said that Cambodia has generally supported China on the South China Sea issue, but this position has been indirect rather than openly expressed. Especially during the Hun Sen era, Cambodia has adopted a policy of supporting China in the South China Sea within ASEAN. His son Hun Manet, who took over as prime minister after Hun Sen, has not completely changed this approach of Cambodia during his current term as prime minister. In addition, Hun Manet has expressed his intention to increase regional cooperation by prioritizing ASEAN in foreign policy.[4]This situation points to Cambodia’s potential to pursue a more careful and balanced policy on sensitive issues such as the South China Sea. ASEAN’s emphasis on economic integration and the importance of agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) may indicate that Cambodia does not want to remain solely dependent on China in this regard. Although Cambodia is still generally pro-China, it seems possible that under Hun Manet’s leadership this policy will include more balance and be reshaped in the context of ASEAN.
Cambodia has been following a careful balancing act to maintain close economic and military cooperation with China while also maintaining trade and diplomatic relations with the United States. The appointment of Prime Minister Hun Manet in 2023 has been seen as an opportunity to redefine this balance, and the United States has sought to revitalize its relations with Cambodia.[5]Another point to note here is that Hun Manet was a graduate of the US Military Academy. This was seen as a diplomatic advantage for Washington.[6]
Although the US continues to criticize Cambodia for its democracy and human rights-focused policies, it does not seem to ignore the country’s regional strategic importance. On the other hand, the US has also expressed concerns about the modernization of the Ream Naval Base in Cambodia. Although Cambodia has denied these claims, the US believes that China could use the base as a strategic point to increase its military influence in Southeast Asia.
Despite all this, it is possible to say that the US’s democracy-oriented rhetoric and sanctions have had a relatively limited impact on Cambodia. This situation allows Cambodia to continue its own governance model with China’s economic and diplomatic support. Cambodia adopts a strategy of preserving its independence and continuing its economic development by carefully managing its relations with both powers. This balancing policy of Cambodia maintains its importance as part of the strategic balance of Southeast Asia. Chinese investments and US diplomatic efforts are seen as important elements that will shape the country’s future position.
China is Cambodia’s largest trade and investment partner. Despite US support, China’s military aid and large investments in infrastructure projects play an important role in Cambodia’s development. Cambodia also stands out as an indispensable partner for China in Asia-Pacific strategies and the Belt and Road Initiative. However, the sustainability of this relationship depends on Cambodia successfully implementing its balance policy and increasing economic transparency.
Today, Cambodia under Hun Manet’s leadership continues to maintain strong relations with China, which were established during the time of his father Hun Sen as prime minister. While China’s financial and military support forms the basis of this relationship, Manet has confirmed in statements that they are committed to the “One China” policy and will take part in projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative. However, there are signs that Cambodia is inclined to take a more balanced approach in foreign policy. Manet has stated that Cambodia needs to diversify its alliances in order to reduce its dependence on a single power and has emphasized its desire to strengthen relations with the United States and Western countries. Recent meetings with Western diplomats indicate a desire to strengthen ties, especially in the areas of economic development and governance. Manet’s ASEAN priority also highlights the importance of economic integration and multilateral agreements such as RCEP.
In conclusion, although Cambodia-China relations remain strong, it is possible to say that Hun Manet aims to pursue a more balanced foreign policy. Trying to establish a balance between the US and China, Cambodia must carefully evaluate long-term risks and opportunities in its relations with these two powers. In this context, China-Cambodia relations will continue to play a critical role in redefining regional strategic balances.
[1] The National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, “Xi holds talks with Cambodia’s senate president Hun Sen”, Headlines, http://en.npc.gov.cn.cdurl.cn/2024-12/04/c_1050333.htm, (Access Date: 10.12.2024).
[2] Walker, T., “China builds strategic South China Sea foothold in Cambodia”, Dw.com, https://www.dw.com/en/china-builds-strategic-south-china-sea-foothold-in-cambodia /a-69205691, (Access Date: 10.12.2024).
[3] Sun, N., & Meyn, C., “Embracing China, new Cambodian PM approached by US.”, Voice of America, https://www.voanews.com/a/embracing-china-new-cambodian-pm- approached-by-us-/7554083.html, (Access Date: 10.12.2024).
[4] Rim, S., “Cambodia’s foreign policy under new prime minister Hun Manet”, ThinkChina, https://www.thinkchina.sg/politics/cambodias-foreign-policy-under-new-prime-minister-hun-manet, (Access Date: 10.12.2024).
[5] Ibid.
[6] Rim, S., “Opinion: Why the US is suddenly going soft on Cambodia”, South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3269812/why-us-suddenly-going-soft-cambodia, (Access Date: 10.12.2024).
