Defense Secretary attempts to sway Cambodia away from China during Phnom Penh trip

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin’s upcoming visit to Cambodia next month is set to be a pivotal moment in Washington’s efforts to steer the country away from China’s influence. Austin’s visit comes as part of a broader strategy to engage with Cambodia’s new American-educated Prime Minister, Hun Manet, who took office in August 2023.

Hun Manet, a graduate of West Point and New York University, represents a new generation of leadership in Cambodia that the US hopes will be more inclined to collaborate closely with Washington. Despite lingering concerns about Cambodia’s ties with China, US officials see an opportunity to explore new avenues of cooperation with the Southeast Asian nation.

One key point of contention is the construction of a naval base at Ream by China, which the US believes could potentially serve as a permanent Chinese military installation. Cambodia has denied these claims, stating that the presence of Chinese warships at the site is for joint military exercises.

Austin’s visit to Cambodia will follow his attendance at the Shangri-La Dialogue defense forum in Singapore, where he will discuss regional challenges in the Indo-Pacific with US allies and partners. The Pentagon chief is also expected to address concerns about China’s assertive military activities, particularly in the South China Sea.

Overall, Austin’s visit to Cambodia underscores the US’s commitment to strengthening alliances and partnerships in the region as part of a broader shift towards a more interconnected security architecture in the Indo-Pacific. As tensions continue to simmer in the region, Austin’s diplomatic efforts will be closely watched for their potential impact on regional dynamics.