Japan Applauds Cambodia’s UNCLOS Ratification as Maritime Safeguard

PHNOM PENH, Jan 31, 2026 (KPT) – Japan has welcomed Cambodia’s long-awaited ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), hailing it as a key step in strengthening the country’s legal framework for maritime governance and freedom of navigation.

Japanese Ambassador Ueno Atsushi told reporters at the Cambodia–Japan Cooperation Center that Tokyo was “very glad” to see Cambodia complete the process, noting Japan had long encouraged early accession. “UNCLOS is one of the most basic international laws, and Cambodia has no reason not to ratify it,” he said.

UNCLOS sets out maritime boundaries, guarantees freedom of navigation, and defines the rights and obligations of states in their use of the oceans. Cambodian officials said accession would bolster protection of marine areas, support sustainable resource use, and enhance participation in global maritime governance.

Pou Sothirak, senior advisor to the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies, called the move “a very important step,” citing its relevance to national stability and sovereignty. He noted Cambodia, which signed UNCLOS in 1983, had been the last ASEAN member to ratify.

Experts stressed the need for Cambodia to prepare legal documentation and strengthen capacity to address overlapping maritime claims, while seeking technical support from partners such as Japan.