U.S., Cambodia to Resume Key Military Exercise, Defense Chief Says

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Nov.03,2025) — The United States and Cambodia have agreed to restart a premier bilateral military exercise, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Monday following talks with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Tea Seiha.

Hegseth described the meeting in Kuala Lumpur as “great” and said the agreement, dubbed the “KL Accords,” reflects President Donald Trump’s commitment to “peace through strength” and aims to bolster military cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

The announcement came on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit, where leaders adopted a Joint Vision Statement pledging stronger regional security and deeper U.S.–ASEAN ties. Cambodia, serving as ASEAN’s country coordinator for U.S. relations from 2024 to 2027, played a key role in shaping the outcome.

The two countries previously conducted joint drills, including the annual Angkor Sentinel exercise focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The seventh iteration was held in 2016.

Another series, CARAT Cambodia — short for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training — ran through 2015 in partnership with the U.S. Navy.

Cambodia suspended the exercises after 2016 as it deepened military ties with China.
The renewed engagement signals a shift in regional dynamics and could serve as a platform for enhanced disaster-response training, interoperability, and maritime security cooperation.

For Cambodia, it may also mark a move to diversify defense partnerships beyond its current alignment with Beijing.

Hegseth did not specify a timeline or provide details on the scope of the exercise. A joint statement or further negotiations are expected as both sides work out logistics.