FILE PHOTO: Tourists visiting Angkor Wat. By providing visa-free entry to Japanese tourists, Cambodia can reciprocate its goodwill, aligning with Asean norms and inviting deeper engagement. — Allphoto Bangkok/Unsplash
In an era defined by geopolitical tensions and shifting alliances, the enduring partnership between Cambodia and Japan stands as a beacon of stability and mutual benefit.
As Cambodia navigates the complexities of regional maritime disputes, particularly in the South China Sea, Japan's steadfast support has been instrumental in bolstering our nation's commitment to international law.
The recent ratification of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by Cambodia on January 16 — more than four decades after signing it in 1983 — marks a historic milestone.
This achievement not only enhances Cambodia's maritime sovereignty but also underscores Japan's catalytic role in pushing for this long-overdue step.
As Cambodia celebrates this progress, it is time for Cambodia to reciprocate by extending visa-free entry to Japanese tourists, a gesture that would deepen cultural ties and align with our Asean neighbours.
Japan's involvement in Cambodia's UNCLOS journey is a testament to its commitment to global maritime order. Long a proponent of UNCLOS, Japan ratified the convention in 1996 and has since actively promoted the rule of law at sea through contributions to its implementing bodies.
In Cambodia's case, Tokyo emerged as the first and most influential advocate for ratification. During Prime Minister Hun Manet's official visit to Japan in 2025, discussions highlighted the urgency of embracing UNCLOS to secure Cambodia's maritime rights.
Japanese officials, including former ambassador Horinouchi Hidehisa, provided crucial guidance and evidence on territorial reclamation, emphasising how ratification would equip Cambodia with legal tools to protect its seas and islands.
This encouragement was not mere diplomacy; it was a strategic push rooted in shared interests. Japan's support included technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives, helping Cambodia overcome internal hurdles that had delayed ratification for decades.
As noted by Cambodian officials during the National Assembly's unanimous approval, Japan's role was “catalytic” in the process.
By ratifying UNCLOS, Cambodia now gains access to mechanisms like the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), where Japan has played a prominent part. This aligns with Japan's broader vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, countering unilateral claims that threaten regional stability.
The benefits for Cambodia are profound, particularly in promoting maritime peace. UNCLOS provides a framework for resolving disputes peacefully, delineating exclusive economic zones and ensuring sustainable use of marine resources.
For a nation like Cambodia, with its extensive coastline along the Gulf of Thailand, this means stronger claims to fisheries, oil and gas reserves — vital for economic growth.
Amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, where overlapping claims involve multiple Asean states, Cambodia's adherence to UNCLOS positions us as a responsible actor. It deters potential encroachments and fosters cooperation with neighbours, reducing the risk of conflict.
Japan's contributions extend beyond advocacy. Through bilateral aid and multilateral forums, Tokyo has invested in Cambodia's maritime infrastructure, including port development in Sihanoukville and training programmes for coast guard personnel.
These efforts enhance our ability to combat illegal fishing, piracy and environmental degradation — issues that directly impact Cambodian livelihoods.
Public lectures by Japanese experts, such as Judge Horinouchi at ITLOS, have educated Cambodian stakeholders on UNCLOS's evolving role in maritime cooperation. By urging ratification, Japan has helped Cambodia integrate into a rules-based order that promotes peace, not power politics.
Yet, true partnership requires reciprocity. As Cambodia reaps the rewards of Japan's support, we must take bold steps to welcome Japanese citizens more openly.
One such measure is granting visa-free entry to Japanese tourists. Currently, among Asean nations, Cambodia and Indonesia are the outliers in requiring visas for Japanese visitors, while Brunei, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam offer visa exemptions ranging from 15 to 90 days.
This disparity not only hinders tourism flows but also signals a missed opportunity to strengthen people-to-people ties.
Visa-free access for Japanese tourists would demonstrate Cambodia's willingness to embrace Japan as a true friend. Japanese travellers, known for their respectfulness and spending power, could boost our tourism sector, which accounts for over 12 per cent of GDP.
Imagine more Japanese families exploring Angkor Wat's ancient temples, relaxing on Sihanoukville's beaches or savouring Khmer cuisine in Phnom Penh.
In 2025, Japan sent over 100,000 tourists to Asean, but Cambodia captured only a fraction due to visa barriers. By contrast, Thailand's 60-day visa-free policy attracted millions, generating billions in revenue.
This policy shift aligns with Asean's spirit of integration. The bloc's mutual visa exemptions for many nationalities foster regional connectivity, and extending this to Japan — a key economic partner —would enhance Cambodia's standing.
Japan is Cambodia's largest donor, providing over US$3 billion in aid since 1992, including infrastructure projects like the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway. Visa-free entry would symbolise gratitude, encouraging more investment in areas like renewable energy and digital technology.
Critics might argue that visa requirements ensure security, but evidence from other Asean countries shows otherwise. Japan's low-risk profile, with rigorous passport standards, minimises concerns. Implementing a 30-day visa-free trial, similar to Laos's 30-day exemption, could be a low-risk start, with e-gates at airports streamlining entry.
Moreover, this move would amplify maritime peace efforts. Increased people-to-people exchanges build trust, essential for collaborative initiatives under UNCLOS. Japanese NGOs and businesses could expand joint projects on marine conservation, such as coral reef protection in Kep Province, fostering goodwill.
In conclusion, Japan's pioneering push for Cambodia's UNCLOS ratification has paved the way for a more secure and prosperous maritime future. By providing visa-free entry to Japanese tourists, Cambodia can reciprocate this goodwill, aligning with Asean norms and inviting deeper engagement.
This is not just policy; it's a commitment to enduring friendship. As we stand on the cusp of stronger ties, let us act now — ratify reciprocity and sail toward shared horizons. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
Dr. Seun Sam is a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
