US Lifts Arms Embargo on Cambodia, Resumes Military Exercises
The United States has ended a four‑year arms embargo on Cambodia. It also agreed to restart the Angkor Sentinel military exercises, paused since 2017.
The move followed talks at last month’s ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur. U.S. and Cambodian officials said the step reflects Cambodia’s renewed cooperation on security and efforts to fight transnational crime.
A U.S. Federal Register notice confirmed the embargo’s end and said future arms sales will be decided case‑by‑case.
The agreement includes more training slots for Cambodian officers at U.S. military academies such as West Point and the Air Force Academy.
Officials linked the decision to a wider U.S. push to counter China’s influence in Southeast Asia. Analysts say Washington is offering incentives to strengthen ties with partners once close to Beijing.
Angkor Sentinel focuses on peacekeeping and stability operations. Its return signals deeper military cooperation and shared training on engineering, medical aid and command exercises.
The embargo had been imposed over human rights concerns and worries about Cambodia’s growing closeness to China — especially the Ream Naval Base project. Phnom Penh denies exclusive Chinese use and says the port is open to friendly navies.
Recent U.S. actions targeting criminal networks — including a large cryptocurrency seizure tied to a Cambodian bank — also pushed Phnom Penh to rethink policy. Cambodia faces pressure to curb scam operations, human trafficking and other transnational crimes.
The resumption of military ties marks a shift. Phnom Penh must now balance deeper U.S. engagement with its long-standing relationship with China. How it does so will shape regional politics and security in the years ahead.
