Cambodia’s close alignment with China and its strained relationship with the United States is a topic of debate among analysts and pundits. The former perception largely stems from China’s extensive investment projects in and aid to Cambodia in the past decades, which have also bolstered the political authority and legitimacy of Cambodia’s ruling party. Conversely, Cambodia’s fluctuating relationship with the US can be attributed to Washington’s persistent criticism of Cambodia’s democracy and human rights record, exacerbated by a long list of economic pressures.