Japan sees Cambodia as key partner in Indo Pacific cooperation

PHNOM PENH, Mar. 12, 2026 (KPT) — Japan regards Cambodia as a crucial partner in advancing its Free and Open Indo Pacific vision, Japanese scholar Ken Jimbo said Thursday, underscoring Phnom Penh’s strategic role in ASEAN and regional stability.

Speaking at a public lecture in Phnom Penh, Jimbo emphasized Cambodia’s position in mainland Southeast Asia and its importance within ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo Pacific framework, which Japan strongly supports.

“Cambodia is an essential country in continental ASEAN,” he said, adding that its development trajectory will be a vital component of regional cooperation.

Jimbo noted that Japan aims to work closely with Cambodia on development priorities, connectivity and institutional cooperation, building on their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Relations have expanded in recent years in economic development, security and technology, reflecting Tokyo’s intention to remain a constructive partner.

Pou Sothirak, senior advisor to the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies, said Cambodia has backed Japan’s Indo Pacific initiative from the outset, calling it a credible framework that serves Southeast Asia’s interests.

He highlighted cooperation in infrastructure, maritime capacity building and human resource development as central to the partnership.

The growing alignment between Phnom Penh and Tokyo underscores a shared determination to promote peace, stability and prosperity across the Indo Pacific region.