Cambodia Joins Trump’s “Board of Peace” as Founding Member

Cambodia has officially accepted U.S. President Donald Trump’s invitation to join as a founding member of the “Board of Peace”, a diplomatic initiative launched in early January 2026.

This decision, announced on January 26 by Prime Minister Hun Manet during a meeting with Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, comes amid “regionally eased tensions” attributed to Washington’s diplomacy.

Background of the American Initiative

The “Board of Peace”, established on January 15, 2026, initially aims to resolve the Gaza conflict before expanding to other global crises. Donald Trump, serving as permanent president with no term limit, holds central powers: approving resolutions, admitting members, and managing funds.

Out of about sixty invited countries, around twenty have confirmed participation, including Egypt, Israel, Indonesia, and Turkey. France, Norway, and Sweden declined, while China and Russia have not yet responded.

Cambodia’s Motivations

Hun Manet hailed the membership as a demonstration of “goodwill” and commitment to global peace, noting that Cambodia faces no financial cost for its three-year founding mandate—the one-billion-dollar contribution applies only to permanent members.

Phnom Penh expressed appreciation to Trump for his key role in the ceasefire with Thailand, signed on October 26, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur during the ASEAN Summit, and for the USS Cincinnati’s port call at the Ream Naval Base. This participation aligns with improving bilateral ties, reflected in ongoing discussions on regional stability and border delineation.

Strategic Implications

Analysts view this move as a “strategic rebranding” to soften Western criticism of Cambodia’s domestic governance and to reduce pressure from potential sanctions or trade restrictions.

Seng Vanly, an expert in Asian geopolitics, described it as a form of “diplomatic whitewashing”, reframing Cambodia’s image toward a constructive role in post-conflict stabilization.Sam Seun, of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, emphasized the need for clear communication with partners like Beijing, which also helped ease border clashes in December 2025.

Risks and Perspectives

Ny Sokha, president of the Adhoc NGO, acknowledged the positive prospects for peace amid the Thai crisis but warned of potential frictions with China, a loyal supporter of the One China policy.

The centralized governance of the Board raises concerns about its institutional balance, with some perceiving it as an “America First” tool that bypasses the United Nations. For Cambodia, the move represents an effort to balance economic pragmatism and ASEAN neutrality in a tense Southeast Asian context.