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Cambodia Finally Ratifies UNCLOS After 40-Year Delay

1/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cambodia ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on January 16, 2026, becoming the last ASEAN member to ratify UNCLOS.
Analysts cite a threat assessment from border clashes and Thai naval actions in the Gulf of Thailand.
Cambodia signed UNCLOS in 1983 but delayed ratification for four decades amid opposition to deep seabed mining rules.
The approval proceeds to the Cambodian Senate for confirmation.

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Story summary

Cambodia ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on January 16, 2026, becoming the last ASEAN member to ratify UNCLOS.
Analysts cite a threat assessment from border clashes and Thai naval actions in the Gulf of Thailand.
Cambodia signed UNCLOS in 1983 but delayed ratification for four decades amid opposition to deep seabed mining rules.
The approval proceeds to the Cambodian Senate for confirmation.