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2h ago

U.S. Lifts Cambodia Arms Embargo, Reopens Defense Ties After Border Ceasefire

Washington will vet any sales individually, signaling cautious engagement given unresolved concerns over Chinese access at Ream.

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A general view of a U.S. State Department sign outside the U.S. State Department building in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 11, 2025. REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon
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Overview

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally ended the 2021 Biden-era ban in a Federal Register notice, citing Cambodia’s pursuit of peace and renewed cooperation.
  • Cambodia is now eligible for U.S. defense exports on a case-by-case basis subject to standard arms-transfer criteria.
  • The policy shift followed President Trump’s role in bringing Thailand and Cambodia to an enhanced ceasefire signed in Malaysia last week.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States and Cambodia agreed to restart their premier bilateral military exercise after talks with Defense Minister Tea Seiha.
  • Concerns about Chinese military influence in Cambodia, notably at the Ream naval base, remain unresolved, and some experts view the U.S. move as largely symbolic as Rep. Gregory Meeks criticized the decision.