U.S. Aid Freeze Threatens Cambodian Demining Efforts as China Steps In

A 90-day suspension of U.S. foreign aid jeopardizes critical demining programs in Cambodia, raising concerns about increased Chinese influence in the region.

• The Trump administration has ordered a 90-day pause on foreign aid, affecting demining programs in Cambodia and Laos that rely heavily on U.S. funding.
• Cambodia, still heavily contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance from past wars, faces a funding gap that could hinder lifesaving clearance operations.
• China has pledged $4.4 million to Cambodia’s demining efforts, prompting concerns from U.S. lawmakers about losing influence in the region to geopolitical rivals.
• The suspension has led to operational disruptions, with Cambodian demining teams demobilizing staff and halting work in some areas due to lack of funds.
• Experts and former U.S. diplomats warn that the funding freeze could reverse decades of progress, endanger lives, and damage U.S. soft power in Southeast Asia.

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