Austin made these remarks on social media platform X. He met with Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha, Prime Minister Hun Manet, and the leader’s father and current Senate President Hun Sen, who was prime minister for nearly 4 many years
Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesman Chum Sounry told reporters last week that Austin’s visit could be “one other good opportunity to strengthen the 2 countries’ ties and relations.”
He said Austin’s visit to Cambodia “signifies that either side are willing to desert a few of their rigid policies limiting defense cooperation and interact in a renewed dialogue to search out common ground.”
Austin’s visit comes just days after Cambodia and China accomplished their largest annual Golden Dragon military exercises, which involve several Chinese warships and lots of of military personnel.
In early 2017, Cambodia withdrew from similar joint exercises with US forces.
Cambodian officials have repeatedly denied that the bottom near the port city of Sihanoukville is meant for any foreign power.
Cambodian political analyst Ou Virak said resuming joint exercises may very well be a subject of debate during Austin’s visit.
The Pentagon chief would also wish to send a message to Beijing, “saying that this region is just too vital and China won’t have freedom,” he added.
