Recently, the Cambodian Prime Minister reaffirmed Cambodian position as the chair of ASEAN in maintaining its neutral position regarding the South China Sea. He stated that Cambodia would not take side on the issue.

In his previous statements during some occasions, the Prime Minister stated that the South China Sea issue should not be internationalized, which means extra-regional actors beside China and ASEAN should not get involved.

However, Cambodian neutral position is being challenged as diplomatic and economic pressures are increasing on Cambodia. Cambodia has no choice but to work hard (through close consultation with different parties) to accommodate differences through smart and dynamic diplomacy.