Cambodia Chooses Law Over Military Force for Dispute Resolution: UNCLOS as Path to Peace

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia has issued a statement regarding the utilization of dispute resolution mechanisms under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), clearly stating that when faced with disputes, Cambodia "chooses law, chooses negotiation, and chooses peace." The ministry explained that bringing issues within the UNCLOS framework does not create new conflicts. Instead, it is a means of utilizing the mechanisms established by international law for signatory states to find solutions when normal negotiations reach an impasse. The use of legal mechanisms is presented not as confrontation, but as an alternative to confrontation. Cambodia has affirmed its participation in this process with a constructive spirit, good faith, and respect for international law. This demonstrates that Cambodia is not seeking to increase tensions but is looking for solutions that are law-based, predictable, and peacefully acceptable. Therefore, the key question is not "Why does Cambodia use UNCLOS?" but rather: If there is a peaceful mechanism that both parties have accepted by becoming parties to the convention, why not use it to find a solution? International law has value when states respect it, not only when it is convenient but also when it requires parties to sit down and negotiate difficult issues. Principles cannot be accepted when they are beneficial and rejected when they do not align with one's position. Cambodia has clearly shown its path: not to use force to end disputes, not to create de facto situations unilaterally, but to use diplomacy, negotiation, and international law. The choice of UNCLOS is a choice for peace. The choice for reconciliation is a choice for negotiation instead of confrontation. And choosing law over force is a principle that all states should be able to support. Cambodia does not seek victory through force; it seeks solutions through law. UNCLOS is not a tool to escalate disputes but a mechanism to prevent disputes from escalating into war, which leads to destructive conflict.