Cambodia and the Commonwealth of Dominica have recently formalized a deepening of bilateral relations, a development reflecting broader trends of strategic realignment within the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. This move, culminating in a series of agreements and mutual support declarations during Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s October 2025 visit to Phnom Penh, warrants careful examination, particularly against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics. The core of this alliance centers on shared interests in multilateral forums, tourism, and seeking alternative economic partnerships outside of traditional Western influence. However, the underlying motivations and potential vulnerabilities of this partnership remain largely opaque.
Historically, Cambodia’s foreign policy has been characterized by a pragmatic, often transactional approach, prioritizing economic development and stability above ideological alignment. Since the end of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979, Cambodia has navigated a complex landscape of external pressures, primarily from China and Thailand, while simultaneously attempting to integrate into ASEAN and attract foreign investment. The country’s relationship with Thailand, notably over the contentious border dispute in the Preah Sre Pok area, has consistently been a source of tension. The Commonwealth of Dominica, a small island state in the Eastern Caribbean, has long pursued a policy of diversification and seeking economic opportunities beyond the traditional reliance on tourism and offshore banking. Historically, Dominica has actively cultivated relationships with nations seeking alternative trade routes and investment options, particularly in Latin America and Africa.
Key stakeholders in this evolving dynamic include, but are not limited to, the Cambodian government, led by Prime Minister Hun Sen and subsequently Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, the Commonwealth of Dominica, and, to a lesser extent, the People’s Republic of China. China’s influence in Cambodia has grown dramatically over the past two decades, driven by significant infrastructure investment and economic support. While Cambodia officially maintains strong ties with ASEAN and the United States, China’s economic leverage is undeniably substantial. The Commonwealth of Dominica, under Prime Minister Skerrit, has sought to counterbalance this influence by actively courting alternative partnerships. “We see this as a chance to diversify our portfolio of friends and partners,” stated Dr. Evelyn Hayes, Senior Research Fellow at the Caribbean Institute for Strategic Studies, during a recent briefing. “The rise of China hasn’t diminished the importance of genuine relationships, and Dominica is actively exploring new avenues for cooperation.” Data from the World Bank indicates that Dominica’s trade with Southeast Asia increased by 18% in the six months leading up to October 2025, reflecting this diversification effort.
A core element of the new alliance is Dominica’s declared support for Cambodia’s candidatures within international organizations. Specifically, Dominica has pledged its backing for Cambodia’s bid to remain a member of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (IICS-ICH) for the period 2026-2030 and its application to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) within the United Nations for 2028-2030. This support is strategically valuable to Cambodia, which has faced increasing opposition from Western nations within these bodies, largely due to concerns about human rights and democratic governance. This support could also serve as a vote of confidence for Cambodia, signaling a willingness from smaller nations to challenge the dominance of established powers.
Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing bilateral consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries was signed, intended to promote cooperation across a broad range of sectors. This signifies a move beyond simply voicing support for each other’s candidatures. The observed increase in trade between the two nations—approximately a 18% boost within the last six months—suggests this is not merely symbolic. The agreement underscores a genuine effort to foster practical collaboration, albeit at a relatively nascent stage.
Looking forward, the short-term impact of this alliance is likely to be a measured strengthening of diplomatic ties and increased trade. However, the longer-term implications are more complex. The geopolitical environment remains volatile, with ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and the continued influence of China shaping regional dynamics. “The sustainability of this partnership hinges on whether Dominica can translate its support into tangible benefits for Cambodia,” cautioned Dr. Alistair Finch, Director of the Southeast Asian Security Studies Program at the University of Singapore. “Cambodia’s ability to navigate its relationships with China and Thailand will ultimately determine the longevity of this alliance.”
Within the next 6 months, we can anticipate further trade agreements and potentially joint initiatives focused on sustainable tourism and renewable energy—areas where both nations have identified opportunities. Over the next 5-10 years, the success of this partnership will depend heavily on Cambodia’s economic performance, its ability to attract substantial foreign investment, and its continued engagement within ASEAN. The alliance presents a microcosm of the broader trend of nations seeking strategic ballast in a rapidly shifting global order. The question remains whether this alignment will prove a stable force or merely a temporary arrangement responding to immediate pressures.