In August 2023, the Cambodian people witnessed a historic event: the intergenerational transfer of power from long-time Prime Minister Hun Sen to his son Hun Manet. As part of this process, a younger generation of leaders replaced the old guard of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) in key positions throughout the government. In the year and a half since Hun Manet’s succession, the new government has begun to articulate its priorities, including one notable shift in policy – Cambodia’s apparent deviation from its close relationship with Vietnam.
During his 38 years in power, Hun Sen maintained very close ties with Vietnam and made many public displays of gratitude for the role Vietnam played in helping to overthrow the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979. He has said that “without the help of Vietnam, Cambodia would absolutely not be where it is today,” and even described the relationship as being akin to “lips and teeth.”
