United States bans arms and dual use exports to Cambodia in December 2021.
Context
In November 2021, the United States targeted two individual Cambodian defense officials with sanctions freezing assets and preventing travel to the US, with State Department spokesperson Ned Price telling media that the two officials “were involved in corrupt acts that undermined the rule of law and the Cambodian public’s faith in their government institutions and public processes, including by using their political influence and official power for personal benefit.” A spokesperson for the US embassy in Phnom Penh telling press that “U.S. officials have regularly raised concerns with Cambodia’s officials about systemic corruption, transnational organized crime and human rights abuses” but that “[r]egrettably there have been no meaningful changes”.
Subsequently, in December 2021 the United States placed export restrictions on dual use items and an arms embargo upon Cambodia through amendments to its International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). A summary of the decision by the US State Department said that it was “add[ing] Cambodia in the list of countries for which it is the policy of the United States to deny licenses and other approvals for exports and imports of defense articles and defense services.”
The US justified these measures through reference to alleged corruption and human rights abuses in Cambodia, as well as the increasing influence of the Chinese government in Phnom Penh. Washington is believed to be particularly concerned about the prospect of a Chinese naval presence at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, a base which had previously received assistance in its development from the US government.
Impact
Beyond symbolism, the impact of the US’ arms embargo on Cambodia is uncertain. One Reuters article cites a research report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute as finding that, even prior to this measure, the US did not supply arms to Cambodia.
Responses
i) Cambodian government and industry responses.
Cambodia’s response to the initial November 2021 sanctions on its two officials was to call them “politically motivated” with government spokesperson Phay Siphan telling press that “[t]he sanctions imposed by the U.S. government were made unilaterally and their decision was not based on the rule of law — it is an injustice for Cambodia.”
Status
At time of writing (October 2024), international reporting has suggested that China may have a permanent presence at Cambodia’s Ream naval base. However, a leadership transition in Cambodia in August 2023 prompted some commentary that US-Cambodia ties have an opportunity for a strategic reset – with US defense secretary Lloyd Austin subsequently visiting Cambodia in June 2024.
Reference list
Bower Group Asia. 2024. “Cambodia and the United States Seek To Revitalize Defense Ties.” June 6. Available at: https://bowergroupasia.com/cambodia-and-the-united-states-seek-to-revitalize-defense-ties/
CNBC. 2021. “U.S. orders arms embargo on Cambodia, cites Chinese influence.” December 9. Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/09/us-orders-arms-embargo-on-cambodia-cites-chinese-influence.html
Federal Register. 2021. “International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Addition of Cambodia to List of Proscribed Countries” US State Department. December 9. Available at:
Head, J. 2024. “Does China now have a permanent military base in Cambodia?.” BBC News. October 8. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2k42n54kvo
Lewis, S. and Chiacu, D. 2021. “U.S. imposes arms embargo on Cambodia over Chinese military influence.” Reuters. December 9. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/ asia-pacific/us-imposes-new-restrictions-cambodia-over-human-rights-corruption-commerce-2021-12-08/
Newcomb, R., Klein, N., Ford, C. and Larson, M. 2021. “US government to implement multi-pronged export controls and sanctions measures against Cambodia.” December 8. Available at: https://www.dlapiper.com/es-pr/insights/publications/2021/12/us-government-to-implement-multi-pronged-export-controls-and-sanctions-measures-against-cambodia
Rising, D., and Cheang, S. 2021. “Cambodia dismisses US sanctions as ‘politically motivated’.” AP News. November 11. Available at: https://apnews.com/article/united-states-cambodia-phnom-penh-east-asia-china-aa5184556ff6313c9860a9b7b9f05cea
Sun, K. and Aun, C. 2024. “After Pentagon Chief’s Visit, Is There Hope for A Recovery in Cambodia-US Ties?.” The Diplomat. June 14. Available at: https://thediplomat.com/ 2024/06/after-pentagon-chiefs-visit-hope-for-recovery-in-cambodia-us-ties/
Thul, P.C. 2021. “U.S. says denied full access to Cambodia naval base during visit.” Reuters. June 11. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-says-denied-full-access-cambodia-naval-base-during-visit-2021-06-11/