Chanborey Cheunboran is the Programme Director of the Asian Vision Institute and an advisor to the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He obtained his PhD in International Political and Strategic Studies from The Australian National University; Master in Public Management from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, in conjunction with the Harvard Kennedy School; Master of Diplomacy and International Studies from Bangkok-based Rangsit University; and Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

• Introduction 1. Conceptual Frameworks: Small States and Strategic Options 2. History of Cambodia’s Search for Survival, 1431-1997 3. Cambodia-China Ties, 1997-2008: Hedging Against Risks 4. Revived Threats from Bigger Neighbours: Cambodia’s Increasing Alignment with China since 2008 5. China’s Growing Influence in Southeast Asia: Implications for Cambodia’s Strategic Direction 6. Cambodia and Major Powers: Limited Strategic Options 7. China and the Legitimacy of the Cambodian Ruling Party 8. Potential Risks and Costs of Cambodia’s Alignment with China 9. Overall Assessments and Policy Recommendations Conclusion

Chanborey Cheunboran is the Programme Director of the Asian Vision Institute and an advisor to the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He obtained his PhD in International Political and Strategic Studies from The Australian National University; Master in Public Management from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, in conjunction with the Harvard Kennedy School; Master of Diplomacy and International Studies from Bangkok-based Rangsit University; and Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.

• Introduction 1. Conceptual Frameworks: Small States and Strategic Options 2. History of Cambodia’s Search for Survival, 1431-1997 3. Cambodia-China Ties, 1997-2008: Hedging Against Risks 4. Revived Threats from Bigger Neighbours: Cambodia’s Increasing Alignment with China since 2008 5. China’s Growing Influence in Southeast Asia: Implications for Cambodia’s Strategic Direction 6. Cambodia and Major Powers: Limited Strategic Options 7. China and the Legitimacy of the Cambodian Ruling Party 8. Potential Risks and Costs of Cambodia’s Alignment with China 9. Overall Assessments and Policy Recommendations Conclusion