Cambodia and Thailand experienced their worst fighting in over a decade in July last year, displacing hundreds of thousands and disrupting trade along the 508-mile (817 km) border. An October peace accord brokered by Donald Trump collapsed within weeks, but a new ceasefire took effect on December 27.
Occupation Claims and Technical Demarcation
Prime Minister Hun Manet accused Thai troops of placing shipping containers and barbed wire deep into Cambodian territory, preventing residents from returning home. He called for Thailand to allow the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to begin treaty-based technical demarcation work, stressing that sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be compromised. Thailand has denied occupying land and cited its February elections as a reason for delaying demarcation.
Trump’s Board of Peace and International Mediation
Hun Manet attended the inaugural meeting of Trump’s “Board of Peace” in Washington, expressing hope the initiative could help de-escalate tensions along the border. While originally created to supervise a Gaza peace plan, Trump has proposed expanding the board to address broader global conflicts.
Balancing Relations with the U.S. and China
The Cambodian leader, a West Point graduate and son of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, emphasized that Cambodia’s relationships with the United States and China are not mutually exclusive. He defended Cambodia’s sovereignty over the Ream naval base, recently upgraded by China, and stressed that the country pursues partnerships rather than taking sides.
Domestic Challenges: Cyber Scams and Human Rights
Hun Manet addressed efforts to crack down on cyber scam centers that have perpetrated global fraud, including closing fraudulent compounds and deporting offenders. While Cambodia faces criticism over human rights and press freedom, the Prime Minister highlighted broader aspects of democracy, including health, education, and civic freedoms.
Analysis: Fragility and Strategic Balance
Hun Manet’s remarks underscore the fragility of regional stability despite international mediation, highlighting Cambodia’s dual challenge of asserting sovereignty, managing domestic security threats, and cultivating strategic ties with both Washington and Beijing.
With information from Reuters.
