The Thai-Cambodian border clashes have highlighted contrasting foreign alignments in Southeast Asia, with Thailand maintaining close military ties to the United States while Cambodia deepens its partnership with China.

Thailand has been a U.S. treaty ally since 1954 under the Manila Pact and is designated a “major non-NATO ally.” It hosts the annual Cobra Gold exercises with U.S. forces—the world’s longest-running multinational military drill—and cooperates in over 60 joint activities each year.

During the Vietnam War, Thailand provided bases for U.S. operations and deployed tens of thousands of troops alongside U.S. forces. Today, the Thai military continues to receive American training and access to advanced weapons systems.

Cambodia, by contrast, has cultivated a defense partnership with Beijing since the early 2000s. China has become its main arms supplier and financier, and is developing the Ream Naval Base on Cambodia’s coast, which analysts say could eventually host Chinese vessels.

In May, both countries conducted their largest-ever joint exercise, “Golden Dragon,” featuring live-fire drills. Chinese defense officials describe the nations as “iron-clad friends” with “rock-solid brotherhood.”

While Thailand has diversified its defense industry to include suppliers from Israel, Italy, and Sweden, Cambodia remains heavily dependent on Chinese support.