US Lifts Arms Embargo on Cambodia Following Ceasefire Agreement
The United States lifted its arms embargo on Cambodia on Nov. 6, following a ceasefire agreement brokered last week by President Donald Trump between Cambodia and neighboring Thailand.
The embargo, imposed in 2021 under President Joe Biden, restricted Cambodia’s access to U.S. defense equipment amid concerns over China’s military influence, human rights violations, and alleged corruption.
A notice published in the Federal Register stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorized arms sales to Cambodia on a case-by-case basis, citing the country’s “diligent pursuit of peace and security, including through renewed engagement with the United States on defense cooperation and combating transnational crime.”
The policy shift follows a meeting between U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Cambodian Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha in Malaysia on Oct. 31, where both sides agreed to resume bilateral military exercises.
During the ceasefire signing, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reportedly nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending border clashes that began in July.
Analysts warned the move may be largely symbolic. Gregory Poling, a Southeast Asia expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Cambodia may lack the capacity or interest to procure advanced U.S. military equipment.
Poling noted that previous U.S. administrations have attempted diplomatic “resets” with Phnom Penh when Cambodian leaders appeared to lean too closely toward Beijing. He added that the true test of renewed defense ties could hinge on U.S. access to the Ream Naval Base, part of which is reportedly reserved for Chinese use.
Yang Peou, a Cambodian political analyst, said the decision could open the door to broader cooperation, especially in defense.
“Under Cambodia’s constitution, the country is open to global military cooperation to strengthen its national defense,” Peou said. “I hope this cooperation with the United States will make Cambodia’s military sector more resilient and capable.”
Peou also described the move as a positive step in Cambodia-U.S. relations. “Over the past decade, there have been misunderstandings between the two countries. But during President Trump’s administration, both nations have been able to reconnect and build stronger ties,” he said.
He added that the United States has played a historic role in Cambodia’s development. “Much of the infrastructure built with U.S. support remains in use today. Last week’s peace deal signed by President Trump will be remembered as a milestone for both nations,” Peou said.
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By: Minea Son
©KPT English