Prime Minister Luong Minh Duc of Vietnam made his first official visit to Cambodia as head of government, encountering firsthand the enduring influence of former Prime Minister Hun Sen—often described as a "figurehead" in Cambodian politics. During his trip, Duc met with Prime Minister Hun Manet before proceeding to see Hun Sen.
The Phnom Penh Post highlighted in its reporting that Duc expressed gratitude for Hun Sen’s audience, and referred to Hun Sen as a “close friend” of Vietnam. The fact that a former prime minister remains central to Cambodia-Vietnam relations underscores deeper structural dynamics within the bilateral relationship.
Although Hun Sen has transferred the premiership to his son Hun Manet, he retains control over the Cambodian People’s Party and maintains substantial influence across the ruling party, security forces, and local administrative networks. Describing him as Cambodia’s “kingmaker” is not hyperbolic. Thus, Duc’s meeting with Hun Sen was not merely ceremonial—it was directed toward the individual who still holds decisive authority.
Cambodia and Vietnam face several unresolved challenges that cannot be addressed by Hun Manet alone. Notably, their land border—stretching over 1,200 kilometers—remains partially contested due to colonial-era cartographic ambiguities, with certain segments still in dispute. When such issues intersect with national sentiment and historical memory, they are often amplified domestically in Cambodia as signs of concession to external pressure. Given Hun Manet’s limited political experience, it is Hun Sen’s presence that enables the containment of these sensitive matters within manageable bounds.
Economic cooperation is another key area. Duc urged Hun Sen to continue facilitating conditions for Vietnamese businesses in Cambodia and to assist in resolving nationality and legal documentation issues for ethnic Vietnamese residents. In response, Hun Sen affirmed that economic collaboration and investment remain central pillars of Cambodia-Vietnam relations. While these topics may appear technical, they rely fundamentally on long-term political trust built over time.
From a broader strategic perspective, both Vietnam and Cambodia find themselves navigating the complex terrain of U.S.-China rivalry. Vietnam faces repeated pressure from U.S. tariffs and concerns over supply chain re-routing, while Cambodia seeks to maintain a balanced posture between the two powers. Hun Manet likened this balancing act to choosing between “cabbage and beef”—both necessary, but requiring careful management. Meanwhile, Hun Sen continues to play a distinctive role in shaping China-Cambodia ties. Their roles are increasingly defined by division: one focused on domestic stability and regional coordination, the other on expanding diplomatic reach.
Thus, Duc’s visit, though framed as standard diplomatic protocol, serves as a signal to the international community: Cambodia-Vietnam relations transcend routine governmental exchanges. They reflect a confluence of historical legacies, political realities, and high-level personal ties. As long as Hun Sen remains influential, his role in Cambodian politics will endure, and many aspects of the bilateral relationship will continue to depend on his engagement.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1878805031992320/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.