Washington's relationship with the Southeast Asian country has been crumbling for quite a long time, with China pouring in billions of dollars in framework ventures under Cambodia's previous chief Hun Sen.
The US has voiced worries over a key Cambodian maritime base that is being redesigned by Beijing, which it says could be utilized to support the Asian monster's impact in the Bay of Thailand.
On the way from the Shangri-La Exchange in Singapore, Austin arrived in Phnom Penh Tuesday for the one-day visit to "investigate chances to develop our reciprocal safeguard relationship", he composed via web-based entertainment stage X.
He initially met Hun Sen - - who ventured down in August following an almost four-decade rule over Cambodia - - and afterward held converses with Top state leader Hun Manet, who took over from his dad.
"We examined how the US and Cambodia can reinforce our safeguard relationship on the side of territorial harmony and security," Austin posted on X in the wake of meeting Hun Manet.
Both Austin and Hun Manet moved on from the US Military Foundation at West Point - — Austin in 1975 and Hun Manet in 1999.
Carl Thayer, emeritus teacher of governmental issues at Australia's College of New South Grains, said "US-Cambodia relations are at an emphasis point after Hun Manet became head of the state".
He let AFP know that Austin's visit to Cambodia "connotes that the different sides will cast off a portion of their unbending strategies confining safeguard participation and take part in restored exchange to look for shared conviction".
In a Facebook post, Hun Sen said that he concurred with Austin's craving "to further develop relations" between the two nations that recently needed "trust in one another".
"Our relations are not really awful," he said, encouraging the different sides to attempt to remake shared trust.
Hun Sen, presently the Senate president, let Austin know that the two nations could further develop ties by limiting their disparities, extending collaboration, and relaunching exchange between guard authorities.
Austin's visit comes only days after Cambodia and China wrapped up their biggest yearly military Brilliant Winged serpent works out, including a few Chinese warships and many military staff.
In mid 2017, Cambodia rejected a comparative joint activity with US powers.
In December, two Chinese warships made a first visit to the Ream Maritime Base that Washington fears is expected for Chinese military use.
Cambodian authorities have over and again rejected that the base, close to the port city of Sihanoukville, is for use by any unfamiliar power.
Cambodian political expert Ou Virak let AFP know that the relaunch of joint activities may be a purpose in conversation during Austin's visit.
The Pentagon boss would likewise need to pass a message on to Beijing, "saying this locale is excessively significant and China will not have free rein", he added.
Washington has in the past voiced analysis over Cambodia's common liberties record and crackdowns on political dissenters and pundits.
Post a Comment