(Phnom Penh): In the rapidly evolving landscape of Southeast Asia, where great power rivalries cast long shadows, Cambodia finds itself navigating a delicate path toward sustained growth and stability. As we mark over seven decades of diplomatic relations with Japan, it is imperative for Cambodia to not only cherish this enduring friendship but to actively strengthen it. Japan has been a steadfast ally, supporting Cambodia through its darkest hours with genuine commitment. For Cambodia's future—marked by ambitions of becoming an upper-middle-income nation by 2030—this partnership is not just beneficial; it is essential. By fostering deeper ties, Cambodia can secure economic diversification, enhance regional security, and build a resilient society, all while honoring the mutual respect that defines our bond.
The roots of Cambodia-Japan relations run deep, tracing back to 1953 when formal diplomatic ties were established, coinciding with Cambodia's regained independence from France.
This was no mere formality; it laid the groundwork for a relationship built on shared aspirations for peace and development. During the Cold War, Japan provided early assistance, including financial aid and technical expertise, even as Cambodia pursued neutrality.
The true depth of Japan's commitment shone through in the late 20th century. As Cambodia emerged from decades of civil war and the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime, Japan played a pivotal role in the 1991 Paris Peace Agreements, facilitating reconciliation among warring factions and contributing over $200 million to the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC).
Japan dispatched personnel, including engineers and police officers, to support peacekeeping efforts, marking one of its first major post-World War II international engagements.
This involvement was not driven by strategic opportunism but by a heartfelt desire to aid Cambodia's rebirth, earning Japan immense respect among Cambodians. Japan's support has been unwavering and multifaceted, often described as coming "from the bottom of their heart." Since resuming full official development assistance (ODA) in 1991, Japan has poured more than $2.8 billion into Cambodia by 2018, with cumulative figures reaching approximately $2.29 billion in yen loans, $1.76 billion in grant aid, and $730 million in technical cooperation by 2025.
The impact is visible across the Kingdom: Japan funded the reconstruction of Sihanoukville Port, Cambodia's only deep-sea port, with a 1999 loan of about $39 million, revitalizing trade and economic recovery.
Infrastructure projects like the Neak Loeung Bridge have connected rural areas to urban centers, improving access to education and healthcare.
In humanitarian realms, Japan has pledged millions for mine clearance—$11 million in early 2025 alone—helping to reclaim land scarred by conflict and saving countless lives.
Education and health initiatives, including medical training and technology transfers, have built human capital, while agricultural support has boosted rural livelihoods.
Even in crises, such as the 2025 Cambodia-Thailand border tensions, Japan provided $1.8 million in emergency aid for shelters and essential supplies demonstrating its reliability.
Unlike aid from some quarters that comes with heavy strings, Japan's assistance emphasizes ownership and long-term sustainability, aligning with Cambodia's development goals. Looking ahead, fortifying relations with Japan is critical for Cambodia's future prosperity amid geopolitical uncertainties. As Cambodia seeks to diversify its economy and reduce overreliance on any single partner—particularly in light of U.S.-China tensions—Japan offers a balanced alternative.
The 2023 elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has opened doors for enhanced cooperation in digital technology, maritime security, and sustainable development.
Japanese investments, totaling $3.1 billion across 210 projects since 1994, have driven job creation and technology transfer, with bilateral trade reaching $1.95 billion in recent years.
Initiatives like the Economic Co-Creation Package, launched in 2025, aim to boost trade and attract more Japanese firms, fostering industrial growth in sectors like manufacturing and renewable energy.
Regionally, Japan's vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) aligns with Cambodia's interests in secure sea lanes and ASEAN centrality, providing a counterweight to assertive influences without confrontation.
By deepening ties, Cambodia can hedge against risks, enhance its strategic autonomy, and contribute to peace in Southeast Asia—benefits that extend to infrastructure connectivity, climate resilience, and human resource development.
Yet, true partnership requires reciprocity. Cambodia respects Japan profoundly, but it must also understand and align with what Japan hopes and expects from this relationship. Japan seeks a stable, reform-oriented Cambodia that upholds international norms, including democratic governance and human rights, to ensure aid yields lasting results.
In return for its support, Japan anticipates cooperation in regional forums, such as advancing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and peaceful border resolutions, as seen in Japan's welcoming of the 2025 Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee progress.
Economically, Japan expects Cambodia to improve its business environment—through better governance, reduced corruption, and rule of law—to attract risk-averse investors.
On security, collaboration under frameworks like Official Security Assistance (OSA) could extend to maritime capacity-building, with Cambodia potentially joining as a priority partner.
Ultimately, Japan desires a "heart-to-heart" partnership where Cambodia actively contributes to shared goals like sustainable development and regional stability, not as a passive recipient but as an equal collaborator.
Cambodia stands to gain immensely by embracing these expectations. By investing in reforms that meet Japan's standards—such as strengthening institutions and promoting transparency—we can unlock even greater Japanese support, paving the way for a prosperous, independent future. As surveys show, a majority of Cambodians already view Japan as a key future partner; now is the time to act on that sentiment.
Let us honor Japan's heartfelt legacy by building a forward-looking alliance that benefits both nations and secures Cambodia's place in a peaceful Indo-Pacific. The path to 2030 and beyond runs through Tokyo—it's time to walk it together.
Dr. Seun Sam is a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. All view in this article are his own.
=FRESH NEWS
