Cambodia Pursues Peaceful Path in Border Disputes, Hun Manet Says
Cambodia Pursues Peaceful Path in Border Disputes, Hun Manet Says
PHNOM PENH, June 3, 2026 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said border disputes require time and must be resolved through peaceful means based on legal principles, reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to diplomacy, technical mechanisms and international law.
Speaking at a graduation and inauguration ceremony at the National Institute of Physical Education and Sport in Phnom Penh, Hun Manet said Cambodia continues to prioritize peaceful settlement of disputes while safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Resolving these issues takes time and must be pursued peacefully, with law as the foundation,” he said.
The prime minister noted that Cambodia on June 2 formally initiated the compulsory conciliation mechanism under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding overlapping maritime claims with Thailand. The government simultaneously notified Thailand and the United Nations of the move.
Hun Manet described the mechanism as a preferable alternative to armed confrontation, arguing that legal and diplomatic processes, even when lengthy, are more effective than military conflict in resolving disputes.
He also stressed that infrastructure development, military deployments or physical control of disputed areas cannot by themselves establish legal ownership of territory. Lasting solutions, he said, can only be achieved through recognized legal processes.
“Military force alone cannot determine sovereignty,” Hun Manet said, adding that peaceful legal mechanisms remain the most responsible path to avoid bloodshed and preserve regional stability.
The prime minister reiterated Cambodia’s longstanding position that disputes with neighboring countries should be resolved through peaceful means. He said Cambodia remains committed to maintaining constructive relations with Thailand based on peace, cooperation and mutual respect while safeguarding its sovereign rights and maritime interests.
Hun Manet also emphasized that national defence extends beyond military capabilities, arguing that a country’s strength depends on its people, economic development and social resilience. He said Cambodia would continue investing in local development and tourism projects alongside efforts to strengthen national security.
