Cambodia has suspended joint military exercises with the United States this year that were due to have been held for the eighth year in a row, a defense ministry spokesman said on Monday.

 

Cambodia was too busy preparing for local elections in June to be able to take part in the Angkor Sentinel exercises, Chhum Socheat said. He rejected any connection to Cambodia's strengthening ties with China.

 

"Our activities will be reduced, we have a lot of security work to do," Socheat said. The exercises have usually been held in the spring.

A U.S Embassy spokesman in Phnom Penh did not respond to Reuters request for comment on the suspension of the annual drill, which is designed to prepare for natural disasters and humanitarian work as well as to foster military cooperation.

 

As China's influence in the region has grown, so Cambodia's ties with Beijing have strengthened.

Meanwhile, uncertainty over Washington's commitment to Asia has increased and there are doubts over how policy will develop once Donald Trump becomes U.S. president on Friday.

 

Last year, Beijing held a joint naval drill with Cambodia for the first time. Cambodia's armed forces have benefited greatly from Chinese military training and equipment including jeeps, rocket launchers and helicopters.

 

After nearly losing a 2013 election to the opposition, Prime Minister Hun Sen faces a major test in the local election due in June and a general election set for next year. He has ruled Cambodia with an iron fist for over 30 years.

 

(Reporting by Prak Chan Thul; Editing by Matthew Tostevin and Tom Heneghan)

 

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cambodia-usa-idUSKBN1501YK

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 17/01

No problem, more money to spend on Cobra Gold.

Hmm one senses a trend here. Chinese money seeping in perchance. 

China has had considerable influence in Cambodia for many years. The US has many historical disadvantages in trying to extend any influence over Cambodia, not to mention playing host to a population of ethnic Khmers who are anti-Hun Sen in the main.

15 hours ago, elgordo38 said:

Hmm one senses a trend here. Chinese money seeping in perchance. 

In the 1970s the  opinion of Cambodian government on a similar subject was "The Americans will forgive,but The Chinese wont forget". My quote,"It has always been the custom of Asians to hold grudges forever".

Think we will see more of this after Trump is sworn in, he's priority is not Asia relation. China will take advantage and strengthen their bond in this region they have nothing to loose.