On 16 May 2024, Cambodia and South Korea agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a “strategic partnership” during Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s official visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK). This strategic partnership, part of Cambodia’s hedging strategy, will enable the country to diversify its foreign relations whilst balancing its engagement with major powers. This article highlights how Cambodia’s hedging strategy serves as an instrument to bolster economic interests, strengthen the defence sector and develop the capacities of Cambodia’s UN peacekeepers.
Cambodia’s strategic use of hedging allows it to challenge the perception of being a “client state of China” while maintaining autonomy in its foreign policy. This approach enables Cambodia to effectively manage relationships with regional and major powers by upholding its independent and neutral stance, guided by the principle of “friend to all and enemy to none.” Through this strategy, Cambodia has successfully strengthened ties with its immediate neighbours, adhering to the principles of “peace, friendship and development.” As a result, the country has not only preserved its strategic autonomy but also enhanced its diplomatic position in the region.
