Carl Thayer, retired professor of politics at Australia’s University of New South Wales, said” US- Cambodia relationships are at an inflection place after Hun Manet became prime chancellor”.
He claimed that Austin’s trip to Cambodia “demonstrates that the two countries are willing to ditch some of their rigorous laws that restrict defense cooperation and resume dialogue to find common ground.”
Austin’s visit comes only days after the country’s largest yearly military Golden Dragon practice, which involved hundreds of military personnel and involved some Chinese ships, was held in Cambodia and China.
A similar combined exercise with US troops was abandoned in Cambodia in the first half of 2017.
Washington fears that two Chinese ships will make their initial visit to the Ream Naval Base in December, which will be used by the Chinese.
Thai officials have consistently denied that the bottom, near the port town of Sihanoukville, is for use by any unusual energy.
According to Thai social analyst Ou Virak, Austin’s visit may be a subject of discussion about the relaunch of mutual exercises.
The Pentagon head would also like to” say that this region is too important and China wo n’t have free rein,” he continued, adding that he would also like to send a message to Beijing.
In the past, Washington has criticised Cambodia’s animal rights history and its reprisals on political opponents and critics.