US imposes arms embargo on Cambodia over Chinese military influence
- Human rights abuses and corruption were also cited as reasons for the restrictions
- Washington and Beijing are jostling for position in Southeast Asia, where Cambodia has become one of China’s most important allies
The US State Department added Cambodia to the list of countries to which all arms exports are banned, according to a filing with the Federal Register.
“Cambodia continues to allow the PRC to expand its military presence and construct exclusive-use facilities on the Gulf of Thailand” despite the appeals of US officials, the filing said, using the initials for People’s Republic of China.
The impact the ban will have is unclear. According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the United States is not a supplier of arms to Cambodia.
The filing also cited corruption and human rights abuses as reasons for the embargo.
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A Cambodian government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Commerce Department also issued new export restrictions that will restrict access to so-called dual-use items that can have military as well as civilian use, as well as less-sensitive military items and defence articles and services.
“We urge the Cambodian government to make meaningful progress in addressing corruption and human rights abuses, and to work to reduce the influence of the PRC military in Cambodia, which threatens regional and global security,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement.