Cambodia has announced it will restart joint military exercises with the United States next year, marking the first such drills in a decade. Prime Minister Hun Manet confirmed on Friday that the Angkor Sentinel exercise will return in 2027, describing it as “a bridge to build a close friendship between the armies of the two countries.”

The announcement followed talks in Phnom Penh between Hun Manet and Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s top policy official. It signals a thaw in relations that have long been strained by Cambodia’s close alignment with China.

Joint drills between Cambodia and the US were held regularly until 2017, when Phnom Penh cancelled them shortly after launching its first Golden Dragon exercises with Beijing. Since then, Cambodia has deepened military ties with China, staging its largest‑ever joint manoeuvres last year with advanced Chinese hardware, including warships and robot battle dogs.

Washington has repeatedly voiced concern over the Chinese‑funded renovation of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, fearing it could give Beijing a strategic foothold near the disputed South China Sea. Cambodian leaders deny the base is reserved for any single foreign power, and in January a US warship made a port call there — a symbolic gesture of continued engagement.

The resumption of Angkor Sentinel reflects broader US efforts to re‑engage with Southeast Asia amid growing Chinese influence. Colby told reporters the partnership would be pursued in a “pragmatic” spirit, aimed at helping Cambodia secure its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

For Phnom Penh, the drills offer more than symbolism. Cambodia has received billions in Chinese investment, but balancing ties with Washington provides diplomatic leverage and reassurance to neighbours wary of Beijing’s reach. Military cooperation with the US also brings training, resources and international legitimacy at a time when Cambodia seeks to diversify its alliances.

The move does not mean Cambodia is turning away from China. Rather, it highlights the government’s attempt to hedge its bets, maintaining strong economic links with Beijing while reopening channels with Washington. For the US, the drills are a chance to demonstrate commitment to the region and counter perceptions that China has locked Cambodia firmly in its orbit.

Whether this renewed cooperation can shift the strategic balance remains to be seen. But after nearly a decade of absence, the return of Angkor Sentinel marks a notable step in reshaping Cambodia’s defence diplomacy.

-2026-08-16

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