PHNOM PENH (Phnom Penh Post/ANN): The US is seeking to move its renewed defence relationship with Cambodia into a more “operational” phase, with senior officials discussing the revival of joint military exercises, expanded training and military reforms. In addition, Washington has signalled renewed interest in further US naval visits to the strategically significant Ream Naval Base.
Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha met with US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby on August 15, as Washington seeks to deepen military-to-military engagement after years of strained defence relations.
The US Embassy in Phnom Penh noted that the US continues to seek opportunities to build a “stronger, practical defence relationship” with Cambodia based on partnership, respect and pragmatism.
The embassy described the talks between Colby and Seiha as productive and said they focused on strengthening military-to-military engagement and US support for what it described as Cambodia’s “commonsense military reforms”.
The two sides identified several operational priorities, including restarting the Angkor Sentinel joint military exercises, expanding bilateral training and professional military education, and implementing military personnel reforms.
Colby thanked Seiha for Cambodia’s support during a port call by the USS Cincinnati earlier this year and welcomed opportunities for future US naval visits to Ream Naval Base.
The reference to further Ream visits is particularly significant given that the facility has for years been one of the most sensitive issues in Cambodia-US relations, largely due to Washington’s concerns about China’s involvement in its expansion.
The USS Cincinnati, an Independence-class littoral combat ship, arrived at Ream on January 24, becoming the first US Navy warship to dock at the facility following its Chinese-funded renovation.
Cambodian authorities have repeatedly rejected allegations that China has been granted exclusive military access to Ream and have maintained that the naval base is open to ships from friendly countries.
Prime Minister Hun Manet has regularly reiterated that Ream is open to foreign naval visits and joint exercises, subject to the physical limitations of the port.
The latest discussions therefore suggest that Ream, once a major point of friction between Phnom Penh and Washington, could increasingly become a venue for practical military engagement between the two countries.
Another key component of the renewed relationship is the planned return of Angkor Sentinel, the long-running Cambodia-US military exercises that have been suspended for a decade.
Officials from both countries have already begun preparations for Angkor Sentinel 2027, which is expected to provide opportunities for their armed forces to exchange expertise, improve operational capabilities and strengthen cooperation.
The previous Angkor Sentinel exercises focused on a range of areas, including humanitarian assistance, disaster response, first aid, engineering, explosive ordnance disposal, countering improvised explosive devices, logistics and military leadership development.
Its expected revival would mark one of the clearest signs yet that Cambodia-US military relations are moving beyond high-level diplomatic contacts towards regular operational cooperation.
The rapprochement has gathered momentum since the two governments began rebuilding defence contacts in recent years, with Washington removing its arms embargo on Cambodia, reversing restrictions imposed in 2021 amid concerns over China’s military influence, human rights and corruption.
The US announced the decision in November 2025, citing Cambodia’s pursuit of peace and security, renewed defence engagement with Washington and cooperation against transnational crime. The regulatory changes removing Cambodia from the relevant US arms-embargo designation subsequently took effect in February 2026.
The change means Cambodian requests for US defence items are no longer subject to a policy of automatic denial and can instead be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The renewed engagement has continued at senior levels.
US Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Steve Koehler visited Phnom Penh earlier this month, with both his and Colby’s visits seen as part of improving UB-Cambodia bilateral relations within the context of Washington’s wider strategic approach to the Indo-Pacific.
“A strong, capable, and sovereign Cambodia can make an important contribution to an enduring balance of power in the Indo-Pacific,” noted the US embassy, adding that Washington looked forward to making practical progress with Cambodia. -- PHNOM PENH POST/Asia News Network
