Cambodia’s strategic positioning between the United States and China

Cambodia’s relations with the US and China have shifted due to security and economic reasons, seeking positive ties with both.

Cambodian Relations with the United States and China

Since the 1980s, Cambodia’s relations with the United States and China have fundamentally shifted. In 1988, former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen described China as ‘evil’. But in 2016, he described ties as ‘ironclad.’ At the same time, Phnom Penh’s relations with Washington have worsened.

Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) in Cambodia is currently under scrutiny, especially from those who have a negative perception of it. Public opinion in Cambodia towards China has been inconsistent in recent years, with critics claiming that Chinese investments primarily benefit those in positions of power rather than the majority of the Cambodian population.

Reasons for Changes in Relations

Three main…