US lifts Cambodia arms ban after Trump-brokered ceasefire

Rubio

The United States has lifted its arms embargo on Cambodia, days after President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire between the Southeast Asian nation and neighbouring Thailand. The move marks a significant shift in Washington’s defence posture in the region, reversing a ban imposed in 2021 under Joe Biden’s administration.

The embargo, originally introduced over concerns about Chinese military influence and human rights abuses, had restricted all defence exports to Cambodia. But in a notice published Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited Cambodia’s “diligent pursuit of peace and security” and renewed cooperation with the US as grounds for lifting the restrictions. Arms sales will now be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The decision follows Trump’s involvement in a ceasefire agreement signed last week, aimed at ending border clashes that erupted in July.

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet praised Trump’s role and even nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize during the signing ceremony.

Despite the diplomatic thaw, questions remain over Cambodia’s ties to Beijing, particularly regarding the expansion of the Ream Naval Base, which US officials believe may host Chinese military assets. Analysts say the lifting of the embargo is largely symbolic, with little expectation that Cambodia will purchase advanced US weaponry.

Gregory Poling, a Southeast Asia expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that successive US administrations have attempted to reset relations with Phnom Penh. “This fits a well-worn pattern,” he said, adding that Trump’s less rigid stance on human rights may make this rapprochement more durable.

Meanwhile, the US State Department has begun a sweeping internal overhaul, reportedly dismissing over 1,350 staff as part of Trump’s restructuring of the diplomatic corps.

The true test of this renewed defence relationship, experts say, will be whether Cambodia grants the US access to strategic parts of Ream Naval Base — a move that could signal a genuine shift away from Beijing’s orbit. For now, the thaw appears cautious but deliberate.

-2025-11-07