In a bid to mend strained ties with China, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to visit Cambodia, a close ally of China in Southeast Asia. Austin's visit comes after holding talks with his Chinese counterpart at the annual security conference in Singapore. The US Defense Department announced on Friday that Austin would be traveling to Singapore, Cambodia, and France.

During his visit to Cambodia on June 4, Austin is planning to hold discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, as part of efforts to address the deteriorating relations between the two countries. Tensions have been escalating due to Beijing's aggressive policies towards Taiwan and its territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Relations between the US and Cambodia have been frosty for some time, largely due to Phnom Penh's close alliance with China. Furthermore, Washington has expressed concern over Cambodia's human rights record, citing ongoing suppression of political dissidents and critics.

Of particular worry to the US is the upgrading of a naval base in southern Cambodia with Chinese assistance, which is seen as a strategic outpost for China's navy in the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodian officials have denied granting China any special basing privileges and maintain that their country maintains a neutral defense posture.

Austin's visit to Cambodia marks his first since attending a gathering of Asian defense ministers in November 2022. The US Defense Department statement noted that Austin will be meeting with senior officials in Cambodia, with the US Embassy in Phnom Penh coordinating the meetings.

Cambodian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Chum Sounry stated on Saturday that the visit would be "another important step to advance the Cambodia-U.S. relations." This visit also marks Austin's first trip to Cambodia since Hun Manet assumed the role of prime minister last year, succeeding his father Hun Sen, who held office for 38 years.

Both Austin and Hun Manet share a connection as graduates of the US Military Academy at West Point, with Austin graduating in 1975 and Hun Manet in 1999 as Cambodia's first cadet there. While there has been speculation of a reset in U.S.-Cambodian relations under Hun Manet's leadership, he has thus far maintained his father's policies.

Following his visit to Cambodia, Austin will continue his itinerary by traveling to France to participate in events commemorating the 60th anniversary of the World War II D-Day landing, as mentioned by the US Defense Department.

It is worth noting that Austin recently underwent a medical procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, recovering from bladder issues that arose in December after his treatment for prostate cancer. Austin has since resumed his duties, albeit temporarily handing over power to his deputy, Major General Pat Ryder, during his medical treatment.