World News
Cambodia to resume joint military drills with the United States after decade-long pause
The Royal Cambodian Army announced the return of the Angkor Sentinel exercise scheduled for February 2027.
The short version
- The Royal Cambodian Army announced it will resume joint military drills with the United States in February 2027.
- The bilateral exercises, known as Exercise Angkor Sentinel, have been halted since 2017 amid strained relations.
- The agreement follows recent high-level defense meetings, though long-standing tensions over China's regional influence and Cambodia's human rights record remain.
Key facts
- The Royal Cambodian Army stated that it agreed with the U.S. to conduct 'Exercise Angkor Sentinel 2027' in February to improve interoperability and disaster response.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- Cambodia suspended joint military exercises with the U.S. in 2017.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet discussed defense ties and the return of military drills with U.S. defense policy official Elbridge A. Colby on August 14.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Steve Koehler met with Cambodian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Gen. Vong Pisen in August to discuss restarting suspended bilateral maritime exercises.[Associated Press · ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- The United States suspects China was given secret privileges at an upgraded Cambodian naval base on the Gulf of Thailand, an allegation Cambodian officials continue to deny.[Associated Press · ABC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Cambodia’s army to resume joint military exercises with the US next yearAssociated Press
- Cambodia’s army to resume joint military exercises with the US next yearABC News - International