Cambodia has hesitated to participate in ASEAN's proposed joint military drills in the South China Sea, a move that complicates the regional bloc's plans and reflects Cambodia's delicate relationship with China. Indonesia, as the current chair of ASEAN, announced the plan for non-combat military exercises aimed at promoting 'ASEAN centrality' and addressing disaster risks. However, Cambodia's military chief stated that Cambodia and other unnamed countries had not agreed to the proposal. The Cambodian military is forming a working group to study the proposal before making a decision. Experts believe that these exercises could strain China-ASEAN relations, as Beijing has territorial claims in the South China Sea contested by several ASEAN members. Cambodia's stance is seen as indicative of its alignment with China, with whom it has increasingly close ties. The decision on whether to participate in the drills is seen as significant for Cambodia's international positioning and ASEAN's unity.