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Youk Chhang Calls on AOT to Take Stronger Stand on Alleged Sovereignty Breaches

Terry Felix​​​​   On February 15, 2026 - 4:14 pm​   In Asia Pacific   1mn Read
Youk Chhang Calls on AOT to Take Stronger Stand on Alleged Sovereignty Breaches Youk Chhang Calls on AOT to Take Stronger Stand on Alleged Sovereignty Breaches

PHNOM PENH, Feb 16, 2026 — The director of Cambodia’s Documentation Center on Thursday urged the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to take a more assertive stance in publicizing alleged violations along Cambodia’s border, saying the issue concerns not only national sovereignty but also regional credibility.

Youk Chhang, a Ramon Magsaysay Award laureate, said the ASEAN team should be “more aggressive in publicizing violations and making it clear where this is disrespectful to the U.S. and ASEAN.”

“It’s not just a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty,” he said in a statement dated Feb. 13. “It’s a blatant disrespect to the U.S. and ASEAN.”

Youk Chhang from Cambodia during the award ceremony held in Manila, Philippines, 31 August 2018. The Ramon Magsaysay Award is one of Asia’s highest honor and is widely regarded as the region’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize. EPA-EFE/MARK R. CRISTINO

His remarks come amid heightened attention to border monitoring efforts involving regional mechanisms and international observers. The ASEAN Observer Team was deployed to monitor developments and help ensure transparency and stability in sensitive border areas.

Youk did not provide specific details in the statement regarding particular incidents, but stressed that failure to publicly address alleged violations could undermine both Cambodia’s sovereignty and the credibility of ASEAN’s regional role.

ASEAN has traditionally emphasized dialogue, consensus and non-interference among its member states. The United States has supported regional stability initiatives and capacity-building efforts in Southeast Asia.

There was no immediate response from ASEAN officials or other parties mentioned in the statement.

The issue highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding border security and the role of regional and international observers in Southeast Asia.

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