US lifts arms embargo on Cambodia

Specifically, the US has removed Cambodia from the list of countries subject to defense embargoes in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

The decision was made in recognition of “Cambodia’s consistent efforts to pursue peace and security, including re-establishing defense cooperation with the United States and combating transnational crime.” Under the new mechanism, US arms sales to Cambodia will be reviewed individually based on relevant criteria.

Screenshot 2025-11-07 at 11.12.07 — US President Donald Trump and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Screenshot.

The US imposed an arms embargo on Cambodia in December 2021. The ban was triggered by Cambodia's 2020 demolition of a US-funded facility at Ream Naval Base, followed by an announcement that China would help modernise and expand the base.

The US accused Cambodia of a "lack of transparency" about construction activities and said Phnom Penh had rejected Washington's offer to repair the base in 2019. Cambodia's Foreign Ministry at the time criticized the US embargo as "interference in internal affairs" and affirmed that Phnom Penh "adheres to the principle of permanent neutrality".

The decision to lift the embargo came shortly after a meeting between US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha in Malaysia on October 31. The two sides announced that they had "agreed to restore top-quality joint training between the US and Cambodia."

The US will also increase the quota for Cambodian officers to study at US military academies such as West Point, the Air Force Academy and other schools.

Earlier, at the signing ceremony of the ceasefire agreement with Thailand in October in Malaysia, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said he nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, for his key role in ending five days of fighting in July.

Source: https://congluan.vn/my-do-bo-lenh-cam-van-vu-khi-doi-voi-campuchia-10316959.html