Cambodia to Resume Joint Military Drills With US
Cambodia will resume joint military exercises with the United States in February 2027, ending a nearly decade-long pause as both nations work to repair defense relations amid US concerns over China's military presence at Cambodian naval fac
Cambodia's armed forces announced they will resume joint military exercises with the United States in early 2027, ending a nearly decade-long suspension since 2017. The announcement came via the Royal Cambodian Army's Facebook page following multiple high-level defense meetings between the two countries aimed at repairing strained relations. Both nations have agreed to conduct joint drills codenamed "Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2027" in February 2027, aimed at enhancing interoperability and disaster response capabilities.
The US has expressed particular concern about China's military presence at Cambodia's naval base in the Gulf of Thailand, where China provided major facility upgrades. Washington suspects China may have received undisclosed special privileges at the base, allegations Cambodia has repeatedly denied. The US has also criticized Cambodia's human rights record, including the suppression of political dissidents and critics through legal proceedings that international human rights groups say are influenced by Cambodia's ruling Cambodian People's Party.
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet previously met with US Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby in August to discuss bilateral relations, particularly defense cooperation and the resumption of joint military exercises. Hun Manet expressed satisfaction with what he called "positive momentum" in Cambodia-US relations and progress in preparations for Angkor Sentinel, emphasizing that joint training exercises strengthen military capabilities while serving as an important bridge for deepening ties between the two countries' armed forces.
