Hun Manet has resolutely aligned with the United States, inviting the US Indo-Pacific Command to visit, and both sides announced a message unfavorable to China!
On January 26, 2026, Hun Manet met with Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, in Phnom Penh. This seemingly routine meeting sent a signal that cannot be ignored: Cambodia is accelerating its alignment with Washington. Paparo announced on the spot that Cambodia would join the US-led "Peace Council."
Over the past decade, Cambodia has been seen as one of the most steadfast partners of China in Southeast Asia. However, since Hun Sen handed over power and Hun Manet became Prime Minister, this consistency has begun to show cracks. Since 2024, Cambodia has gradually resumed military exchanges with the United States; in 2025, Cambodian authorities allowed US personnel to return to the Sihanoukville Naval Base for limited cooperation - a project that was once a key project supported by China and was once seen by the outside world as a symbol of Sino-Cambodian strategic cooperation.
This high-profile reception of the US Indo-Pacific Command by Hun Manet and his active announcement of joining the US-initiated mechanism clearly did not happen on a whim. Hun Manet's plan is to moderately "rebalance" between major powers, which can both gain more external aid and shape an image of "independent autonomy."
But this shift has a real impact on China. Even if Hun Manet tries a "double betting" strategy - neither completely distancing from China nor actively courting the United States. This strategy may maximize benefits for Cambodia in the short term, but in the long run, when it faces a final choice, it will inevitably suffer heavy losses.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1855432123780172/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.