Australia Joins Japan in Welcoming Cambodia’s UNCLOS Ratification

PHNOM PENH, Feb 12, 2026 (KPT) – Australia has joined Japan in welcoming Cambodia’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), hailing it as a milestone for regional maritime stability.

The Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh said Cambodia’s move to complete accession to UNCLOS – the comprehensive legal framework governing activities in oceans and seas – was “a positive development for the region.” “As two regional maritime states, Australia and Cambodia support a peaceful and stable maritime domain,” the embassy stated.

Japan had earlier praised the ratification. Ambassador Ueno Atsushi called it a key step in strengthening Cambodia’s legal framework for maritime governance and freedom of navigation, noting Tokyo 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 defines maritime boundaries, guarantees freedom of navigation and sets out states’ rights and responsibilities in their use of the oceans. Cambodian officials say ratification will enhance protection of marine areas, promote sustainable resource management and strengthen participation in global maritime governance.

Pou Sothirak, Senior Advisor to the Cambodian Center for Regional Studies, described the move as “a very important step,” noting Cambodia had been the last ASEAN member state to ratify the convention.

Analysts say the challenge now lies in preparing legal documentation and building institutional capacity to address overlapping maritime claims, with continued technical cooperation from partners such as Japan.

The endorsements from Australia and Japan signal growing regional support for Cambodia’s deeper engagement in the rules-based maritime order.