Cambodian National Assembly Passes Draft Military Service Law

[Global Times Special Correspondent Dong Kaiying in Cambodia] According to reports from the Cambodian News Agency and other media on the 12th, the National Assembly of Cambodia held a special meeting that day to review and unanimously pass the draft of the "Military Service Law." The draft consists of 8 chapters and 20 articles, and will be submitted to the Senate for further review. The news website "Cambodianess" stated that this move paves the way for the country to implement mandatory military service starting in 2026, in order to strengthen national defense and establish a larger, well-trained reserve force.

It was reported that Cambodia enacted a military service law in 2006, which stipulated that male citizens aged 18 to 30 must serve for 18 months, but this law was never actually enforced. The new draft makes several adjustments, including changing the mandatory service age to male citizens aged 18 to 25, extending the service period from 18 months to 24 months, with a possible extension of 6 months under special circumstances. The system is planned to be implemented starting in 2026, with registration first for individuals aged 17 and above. Those who complete military training will be incorporated into the reserve system until the age of 45. Individuals who evade military service will face fines and imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 5 years.

Cambodian officials unanimously believe that the old law from 2006 is no longer suitable for the needs of national defense construction and security situation, thus it is necessary to revise it.

According to Cambodia's Fresh News, Prime Minister Hun Manet stated during a speech in the National Assembly on the 12th that, given the current changes in the international situation, the intensifying border disputes, economic competition, and technological competition, Cambodia must enhance its defense capabilities, stating, "Peace cannot be achieved by merely asking others." He emphasized that Cambodia does not wish for war, but must always be prepared to respond to risks and defend the country. The government has referenced the experiences of countries such as Singapore, Finland, Switzerland, Israel, and the United States while studying the military service system, and will combine efficient, high-skilled, and modern defense strategies to advance military training, equipment, and system reforms. He also pointed out that about 45% of Cambodia's population is under the age of 25, and the military service system will help cultivate young people's sense of discipline, patriotism, and social responsibility.     

Additionally, according to the Phnom Penh Post, on the 12th, Senate President Hun Sen expressed his stance regarding Thailand's unilateral abolition of the "2001 Cambodia-Thailand Maritime Memorandum of Understanding" and the subsequent proposal for bilateral negotiations, stating, "We refuse to engage in bilateral negotiations with Thailand on maritime issues." Hun Sen believes that Thailand's position is contradictory, and Cambodia should directly seek international legal mechanisms to resolve the dispute.