Cambodia Rejects Offensive Military Posture, Emphasises National Defence
Cambodia Rejects Offensive Military Posture, Emphasises National Defence
KOH KONG, May 30, 2026 — Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tea Seiha said Cambodia is strengthening its military capabilities solely to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that the country has no intention of invading or engaging in military conflict with neighbouring states.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Win-Win Policy Memorial Monument in Koh Kong province on Saturday, Tea Seiha said Cambodia’s defence policy remains firmly rooted in peace and self-defence despite ongoing efforts to enhance military readiness.
“I have always emphasized that Cambodia has no intention of invading or engaging in military confrontation with its neighbours,” Tea Seiha said. “In our international defence cooperation, we only seek capabilities that enable us to defend ourselves.”
The defence minister said Cambodia has consistently conveyed to foreign partners and diplomatic missions that the Royal Government remains committed to a peaceful foreign policy and has no intention of using military force against other countries.
According to Tea Seiha, Cambodia’s military modernisation efforts are focused on strengthening defensive capabilities rather than acquiring offensive weapons. He noted that Cambodia does not require long-range strike systems capable of reaching targets hundreds of kilometres away, but instead seeks effective defence systems capable of protecting the country’s territory and population.
The minister said Cambodia’s development priorities had largely focused on infrastructure, education and human resource development since the end of the country’s civil war and the achievement of full peace under the Win-Win Policy in 1998. However, he acknowledged that border-related military confrontations in 2025 had prompted the government to reassess certain aspects of its national defence planning.
Tea Seiha also stressed that armed conflict brings losses to all sides and does not produce lasting benefits. He said Cambodia remains committed to preserving peace and stability, which he described as essential foundations for economic growth, social development and improving the living standards of citizens.
The remarks come as Cambodia continues to implement measures aimed at strengthening national defence while maintaining its stated commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means and international cooperation.
