Part 3/15:
However, recent years have seen Cambodia beginning to break free from its one-sided allegiance to Beijing. In 2025, Cambodia took notable steps to shift its international stance. Its neutrality at the Apex Summit and abstention from defending China's claims in the South China Sea demonstrated its desire for a more independent voice on the global stage. This change was further exemplified by Prime Minister Hun Manet’s unprecedented visits to Washington, Tokyo, and Canberra—trips that would have been unthinkable under his predecessor, Hun Sen, who typically prioritized strengthening ties with Beijing.