Cambodia Joins Global Peace Board Amid US Naval Visit

Cambodia has formally joined the newly established Board of Peace as a founding member, with Prime Minister Hun Manet moving swiftly to reassure the public that the Kingdom will not face hefty financial obligations.

The announcement follows an invitation from US President Donald Trump, positioning Cambodia among the first nations to take part in the body’s three-year founding term. Concerns had surfaced over whether membership might entail a billion-dollar contribution, but Hun Manet clarified that such payments apply only to permanent members.

“Joining the Board of Peace as a founding member for a three-year term does not require any financial contribution,” the prime minister wrote in a Facebook post, stressing that the $1 billion fee is reserved for long-term membership.

Hun Manet framed Cambodia’s participation as a natural extension of its longstanding commitment to peacekeeping. He pointed to the country’s record of sending troops to United Nations missions in conflict zones, underscoring its role in promoting goodwill and stability abroad.

The timing of Cambodia’s decision coincides with a symbolic moment in its relations with Washington. The USS Cincinnati, a US combat ship, made its first-ever visit to Ream Naval Base in Preah Sihanouk province. Admiral Samuel Paparo, speaking during the port call, described the visit as a gesture of respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty and a reaffirmation of a partnership that stretches back 76 years.

“To the United States, there is deep respect for our mutual relationship with Cambodia… Cincinnati’s visit is an expression of our confidence in Cambodia’s own sovereignty and a good-faith expression of our partnership moving forward,” Paparo said.

Hun Manet is set to travel to China on 6–7 November to attend a summit linked to the Board of Peace, further signalling Phnom Penh’s intent to balance its international ties while reinforcing its image as a nation committed to diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.

For Cambodia, the move represents both a symbolic and strategic step: a chance to amplify its voice in global peace efforts without the financial burden that permanent membership entails. It also highlights the delicate interplay of regional and international relations, as the Kingdom navigates its partnerships with both Washington and Beijing.

-2026-01-27