Cambodia Pushes for Enhanced Track II Diplomacy to Uphold ASEAN Centrality

PHNOM PENH, Sept 25, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has called for stronger and more flexible Track II diplomacy to help ASEAN confront rising geopolitical risks and safeguard regional peace and stability. Chheang Vannarith, Deputy Secretary‑General of Cambodia’s National Assembly and chairman of its Advisory Council, made the appeal at a meeting of the Track II Network of ASEAN Defence and Security Institutions (NADI) in Phnom Penh. The forum brought together researchers, experts and representatives from ASEAN defence and security institutions to discuss geopolitical competition, emerging security challenges and technological change. Chheang said ASEAN must strengthen strategic foresight, mediation capacity and its ability to respond quickly to emerging crises. Informal Track II engagement, he noted, could help maintain communication, build trust and support conflict de‑escalation. He cited tensions between Cambodia and Thailand as a key test of ASEAN’s centrality and preventive diplomacy, urging sustained dialogue, confidence‑building and mediation to uphold the bloc’s principles. He also highlighted the role of China and Japan in supporting Track II dialogue and encouraged ASEAN members to develop their own mediation networks. On technology, Chheang called for responsible use of artificial intelligence, stressing that human judgement should remain central when assessing AI‑generated concepts and information. Officials said the NADI meeting also examined international law, regional security and ways to strengthen ASEAN’s capacity to support a rules‑based regional order.