ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates the key characteristics of the China-Cambodia-US relationship. The dynamics among Cambodia, China and the United States highlight some important broad themes: Cambodia's perspective; security and oversight; and resource cooperation and competition. China's goal is to build solid allegiances to advance its agendas related to foreign policy, image shaping, economic preeminence and national security. As far as Phnom Penh is concerned, Cambodia would not be able to exploit the situation as much as it has already done if US-China relations were harmonious. Within the context of China's increasing presence and competition with the US in the region, China's new security and military postures and concomitant strategies are supported by its distinctive diplomatic approach and increasing involvement in regional affairs. China's interest in Cambodia can easily be linked to its security and oversight issues in the South China Sea with Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines, as well as safeguarding 'Beijing's claims to the disputed Spratly Islands and their resources'.
