As the world enters a new era of strategic competition between major powers, smaller nations increasingly face a complex diplomatic challenge: how to protect their sovereignty, strengthen their economies and preserve their independence while maintaining positive relations with competing global powers.
For Cambodia, the most prudent and sustainable path is not to align exclusively with any one country, but to maintain balanced, constructive and mutually respectful relationships with both China and the US.
Cambodia has endured decades of conflict, foreign intervention and political instability. Since the restoration of peace, the country has worked steadily to rebuild its economy, improve infrastructure, expand education, strengthen healthcare and raise the living standards of its people.
This progress has been supported by cooperation with many international partners, including countries in Asia, Europe, North America and the wider international community.
Among these partners, China has become one of Cambodia’s most significant economic partners. Chinese investment has helped finance roads, bridges, expressways, airports, special economic zones, power generation and other infrastructure projects that have contributed to Cambodia’s economic development.
Chinese businesses have also invested in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and real estate creating employment opportunities and supporting economic growth.
At the same time, the US continues to play an important role in Cambodia’s development. It remains an important market for Cambodian exports, particularly garments, footwear, travel goods, bicycles and agricultural products.
Trade with the US supports many Cambodian jobs. In addition, the US has contributed to Cambodia through educational exchanges, public health programmes, humanitarian assistance, demining efforts, civil society support and professional training over many years.
These two relationships are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, they can complement one another in different ways. China contributes substantially through investment and infrastructure, while the US provides valuable opportunities through trade, education, technology, innovation and access to global markets.
Cambodia should not view these partnerships as competing choices but as complementary opportunities that can contribute to national development. The Kingdom should not be forced to choose between China and the US.
A country’s foreign policy should always be guided by its own national interests rather than by external pressure or geopolitical rivalry. For a small nation, strategic balance is often wiser than exclusive alignment.
As a sovereign state and a member of Asean, Cambodia has every right to pursue an independent foreign policy based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, non-interference and cooperation with all countries.
Constructive engagement with both China and the US does not indicate weakness or indecision. Rather, it demonstrates diplomatic maturity and a commitment to safeguarding Cambodia’s long-term interests.
To explain this idea simply, I sometimes use the metaphor that Cambodia should maintain good relationships with both “parents”.
The metaphor is intended to illustrate the value of maintaining constructive relationships with multiple partners while preserving Cambodia’s ability to make independent national decisions. Ultimately, however, Cambodia must stand on its own as a sovereign nation and make decisions based on the interests of its people.
However, balance requires careful management. Cambodia should avoid becoming overly dependent on any single country economically, politically or strategically.
Diversifying trade, encouraging investment from many nations, strengthening domestic institutions, improving transparency, supporting the rule of law, investing in education and innovation, and enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses will all help strengthen national resilience.
Foreign investment should always serve the long-term interests of the Cambodian people. Infrastructure projects should be economically sustainable. Trade should create opportunities for workers and businesses.
Development cooperation should strengthen national capacity rather than create unnecessary dependency. Above all, Cambodia’s sovereignty and independence must remain at the centre of every foreign policy decision.
History offers valuable lessons. Small countries can achieve greater stability and prosperity when they maintain constructive relations with multiple partners rather than relying excessively on one.
In an increasingly interconnected world, cooperation should not be viewed as a zero-sum choice. Cambodia can engage positively with China while also strengthening cooperation with the US, Asean, Japan, South Korea, the European Union, Australia, India and many other international partners.
Ultimately, Cambodia’s success should not be measured by how closely it aligns with one major power over another. It should be measured by how effectively it improves the lives of its people, strengthens its institutions, protects its sovereignty, expands economic opportunities, promotes peace and secures a prosperous future for the next generation.
The world will continue to change, and competition among major powers is likely to remain a defining feature of international relations.
Cambodia cannot control global rivalries, but it can determine how it responds to them. By pursuing balanced diplomacy, safeguarding its independence, diversifying its international partnerships and placing national interests above geopolitical competition, Cambodia can continue building a stable, peaceful and prosperous future.
Cambodia’s best path forward is clear: friendship with all nations, dependence on none and cooperation based on mutual respect, equality, international law and the enduring interests of the Cambodian people. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
Tesh Chanthorn is a Cambodian citizen who longs for peace. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
