The top U.S. Army officer for the Asia-Pacific region, General Ronald P. Clark, began a two-day visit to Cambodia on Monday in a trip aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations. The visit comes at a crucial time as the relationship between the U.S. and Cambodia has been strained due to Washington’s criticism of Cambodia’s political repression and human rights violations.
During his visit, General Clark met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and senior Cambodian military officials in Phnom Penh. The discussions focused on various issues including defense, trade, tourism, counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and demining. The two military leaders had constructive discussions and expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in all fields.
One of the major concerns for the U.S. and other countries is Cambodia’s close ties with China. Of particular interest is China’s access to the Ream Naval Base near the disputed South China Sea, a waterway that China claims almost in full. In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague rejected China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea. The naval base, strategically located in the Gulf of Thailand, was renovated with funding from China.
China has also been a major contributor to Cambodia’s infrastructure development, with the assistance beginning during the tenure of Prime Minister Hun Sen’s father. This funding continues to this day, and during his visit, General Clark also met with Yin Li, a member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party. The Chinese official praised the progress in all cooperation between Cambodia and China, highlighting the strong ties between the two nations.
During his meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet, General Clark expressed his admiration for Cambodia’s contribution to international peacekeeping efforts. Cambodia has sent peacekeepers to several locations around the world, showcasing its commitment to global peace and security. The prime minister also thanked the U.S. for its assistance in clearing explosives from Cambodia, a legacy of the country’s years of war that left it with millions of landmines and unexploded ordnance, including U.S. bombs.
General Clark also met with General Mao Sophan, Cambodia’s military chief, and the two leaders discussed various issues of mutual interest. These included defense, trade, tourism, counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and demining. The Cambodian army described the discussions as constructive and highlighted the possibility of reviving the Angkor Sentinel exercise, a joint military exercise between the U.S. and Cambodia that was discontinued almost a decade ago.
The visit of General Clark to Cambodia is a significant step towards strengthening the ties between the two nations. It highlights the commitment of both countries to work together towards common goals and promote peace and stability in the region. The U.S. and Cambodia have a long history of cooperation, and this visit serves as a reaffirmation of their strong partnership.
The U.S. has been a key partner in Cambodia’s development, providing assistance in various areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The U.S. has also been a major contributor to demining efforts in the country, helping to make Cambodia safer for its citizens. The visit of General Clark is a testament to the U.S.’s continued support for Cambodia’s progress and development.
The revival of the Angkor Sentinel exercise, if it happens, will be a significant step towards enhancing military cooperation between the U.S. and Cambodia. It will provide an opportunity for both countries to learn from each other and strengthen their defense capabilities. The joint exercise will also serve as a symbol of the strong friendship between the two nations.
In conclusion, the visit of General Clark to Cambodia is a positive development that will further strengthen the ties between the two nations. It highlights the commitment of both countries to work together towards common goals and promote peace and stability in the region. The U.S. and Cambodia have a long-standing partnership, and this visit serves as a reaffirmation of their strong bond. With continued cooperation and mutual respect, the U.S. and Cambodia can achieve great things together.
