US to revive Angkor Sentinel drills in Cambodia

Kiripost

The United States has announced plans to resume its Angkor Sentinel maritime exercises in Cambodia, signalling a renewed push for military cooperation in the region. The move comes as the USS Cincinnati made its first port call at Ream Naval Base in Preah Sihanouk, a visit described by Admiral Samuel Paparo as a gesture of “confidence in Cambodia’s sovereignty” and a step towards deeper partnership.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Paparo emphasised that Washington wants to expand ties beyond symbolic port visits. He outlined ambitions for joint exercises, strategic dialogues and broader collaboration aimed at regional stability, including support during border crises. Planning for Angkor Sentinel is expected to begin within 30 days, with drills likely later this year or in early 2027.

Since 2006, US naval vessels have made 37 visits to Cambodia, but Paparo said the aim now is to move towards “more maritime exercising together” and building interoperability. He framed the partnership as part of a wider effort to promote a “free and open Indo-Pacific” where nations of all sizes can benefit from security and investment.

Yet analysts caution that Cambodia’s embrace of the US remains tentative. Ou Virak, president of the Future Forum thinktank, noted that decades of mistrust, Cold War legacies and American criticism of Cambodia’s ruling party have left the leadership wary.

While there has been cooperation in moments of crisis, such as border clashes with Thailand, Virak argued that the current engagement does not amount to a major pivot.

At the same time, Cambodia continues to balance relations with China, its closest ally.

Recent tensions over scams targeting Chinese citizens have tested the “iron-clad” ties, with Beijing pressing Phnom Penh to act. Cambodia has responded with prosecutions and the extradition of businessman Chen Zhi, moves seen as attempts to reassure its powerful neighbour.

The resumption of Angkor Sentinel therefore reflects more than military manoeuvres. It highlights Cambodia’s delicate act of managing ties with both Washington and Beijing, while seeking to safeguard sovereignty and stability. For the US, the exercises mark a chance to reassert its presence in Southeast Asia and strengthen partnerships in a region increasingly shaped by great power rivalry.

-2026-01-28