US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Visit to Cambodia: A Step Toward Renewed Relations

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is set to visit Cambodia on June 4, following his participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. This visit is seen as a positive development for US-Cambodian relations, which have been strained in recent years as a result of Phnom Penh's close ties with China and concerns over human rights.

Austin's visit will include meetings with senior Cambodian officials, including Prime Minister Hun Manet. This will be Austin's first visit to Cambodia since attending a gathering of Asian defense ministers in November 2022. Analysts believe the visit indicates the US's growing focus on regional security and improving bilateral relations between the two nations.

Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Royal University of Phnom Penh's Institute for International Studies, remarked, "The visit by the US Secretary of Defense is a good sign for Cambodia-US relations. Bilateral relations between the two are improving under the seventh-mandate government." This sentiment is echoed by Ro Vannak, co-founder of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy, who stated, "I think this visit shows the growing US attention to regional security, especially the growing influence of China in the region as a whole and in Cambodia separately."

The backdrop to Austin's visit includes the recently concluded 'Golden Dragon 2024' exercises between the Cambodian and Chinese militaries. These exercises, involving over 2,000 troops, highlight the strong military cooperation between Cambodia and China. This relationship has raised concerns in Washington, particularly regarding the upgrade of the Ream Naval Base in southern Cambodia with Chinese assistance.

Why this matters: The visit of the US Secretary of Defense to Cambodia has significant implications for regional security and the balance of power in Southeast Asia. The outcome of the visit could influence the trajectory of US-Cambodian relations and have far-reaching consequences for the region.

Cambodian officials have consistently denied that China will have any special basing privileges at Ream and maintain that the country has a neutral defense posture. However, the US remains skeptical, and Austin's visit is seen as an opportunity to address these concerns directly with Cambodian leaders.

Austin and Prime Minister Hun Manet share a notable connection, as both graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point—Austin in 1975 and Hun Manet in 1999. This common background may provide a unique foundation for their discussions on strengthening bilateral ties.

Following his visit to Cambodia, Austin will travel to France to attend events commemorating the 60th anniversary of the World War II D-Day landing. This trip highlights the multifaceted nature of Austin's responsibilities and the importance of maintaining strong international alliances.

Austin's visit to Cambodia represents a significant step in addressing the complexities of US-Cambodian relations. By engaging directly with Cambodian leaders, Austin aims to cultivate a more balanced and cooperative relationship, addressing security concerns while acknowledging Cambodia's strategic position in Southeast Asia.

Key Takeaways

• US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to visit Cambodia on June 4.
• Austin's visit aims to improve US-Cambodian relations, strained due to Cambodia's close ties with China.
• Meetings with PM Hun Manet and other officials will focus on regional security and bilateral relations.
• The visit comes amid concerns over China's growing influence in the region and Cambodia's military cooperation with China.
• Austin's trip seeks to balance security concerns with acknowledging Cambodia's strategic position in Southeast Asia.