Cambodia seeks stronger Indo-Pacific security cooperation
Cambodia seeks stronger Indo-Pacific security cooperation
Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional security cooperation and tackling pressing challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), conveyed Cambodia’s stance during the virtual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) meeting on Wednesday.
Chaired by Admiral Samuel J Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, the high-level meeting focussed on fostering security collaboration and enhancing strategic partnerships among participating nations.
Representing Cambodia, Gen Pisen outlined key security concerns, including cybercrimes, transnational crimes, terrorism, maritime security threats, climate change, and natural disasters. He emphasised the urgent need for deeper cooperation, advocating for enhanced resource-sharing, skill exchanges, and the development of comprehensive strategic plans to address these challenges effectively.
Gen Pisen underscored the importance of seamless coordination between armed forces and civilian agencies to strengthen regional stability. He acknowledged the existing military collaborations in the Indo-Pacific region and their role in maintaining peace and prosperity.
Reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to regional security, Gen Pisen expressed the country’s readiness to engage in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief initiatives alongside other nations in the region.
The RCAF Commander’s commitment echoed the sentiment expressed by Prime Minister Hun Manet during his meeting with the visiting Adm Paparo in December last year.
The Cambodian Premier reaffirmed the Cambodian government’s continued cooperation with the US in the search for the remains of American soldiers missing in Cambodia.
For his part, Adm Paparo vowed to further deepen the cooperation between both countries’ armed forces through exchanges of visits at all levels, training, and joint training exercises.
Mr Hun Manet and Adm Paparo also discussed the possibility of continuing cooperation on a number of activities, including training, peacekeeping operations under the UN umbrella, mine clearance, and so on.
Security issues in the Indo-Pacific are shaped by a mix of territorial disputes, great power rivalry, and non-traditional threats.
The South China Sea and Taiwan Strait are focal points, with China asserting control over disputed territories, leading to tensions with several Southeast Asian nations and the US. The rivalry between the US and China is central to regional security, as both nations seek to maintain influence and military presence.
North Korea’s nuclear programme is another ongoing concern for countries like South Korea and Japan. In Southeast Asia, terrorism remains a threat, and cyberattacks are becoming more frequent. Maritime security, especially regarding piracy, is crucial for maintaining global trade routes.
Climate change and resource scarcity are adding to regional instability, particularly for island nations facing rising sea levels. Regional alliances, like the Quad, a diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan and the United States, and bilateral security agreements continue to play a key role in countering these threats, as the Indo-Pacific navigates a complex security landscape.
Source៖ Khmer time