U.S. Lifts Cambodia Arms Embargo Following Trump-Brokered Ceasefire Deal

The United States has officially lifted its arms embargo on Cambodia, marking a significant shift in Washington’s relations with Phnom Penh. The decision follows a ceasefire agreement signed last week between Cambodia and Thailand, mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The ban, imposed by President Joe Biden in 2021, restricted defense exports to Cambodia due to concerns over Chinese military influence, corruption, and human rights violations. However, according to a notice in the Federal Register, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reversed the restrictions, citing Cambodia’s “diligent pursuit of peace and security” and its renewed cooperation with the U.S. in defense and anti-crime efforts. Arms exports will now be approved on a case-by-case basis.

This policy change comes amid uncertainty about China’s continuing military presence at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, a strategic site in the South China Sea. Despite ongoing concerns, both the State Department and Cambodia’s embassy in Washington declined immediate comment.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also met with Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha in Malaysia, announcing the revival of the countries’ premier bilateral military exercises. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet praised the diplomatic progress, even nominating Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the ceasefire deal with Thailand.

Gregory Poling, a Southeast Asia analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that the U.S. move was likely symbolic. He doubted Cambodia’s capability or desire to purchase advanced American weapons but acknowledged that the development followed a familiar pattern of U.S. attempts to reset ties with Phnom Penh.

Still, analysts say the true test of this renewed partnership will be whether Cambodia allows U.S. access to the parts of Ream Naval Base reportedly reserved for Chinese use.