Cambodia Signs High Seas Treaty: Small Coastline, Big Message
Cambodia may have only a modest coastline, but its recent decision to sign the High Seas Treaty signals a growing commitment to regional cooperation and responsible ocean governance. The move reflects how even smaller states can shape global maritime norms at a time when biodiversity protection and sustainable resource use are rising priorities.
This article examines what Cambodia’s step means for ASEAN and the broader push toward inclusive, balanced maritime governance. For students and professionals in international policy, it offers insight into how influence at sea is not solely determined by size but by strategic participation in emerging global frameworks.
James Borton, Senior Fellow at FPI, wrote in Geopolitical Monitor on June 11, 2025, about Cambodia’s symbolic step in ocean diplomacy.