A former United States Marine and geopolitical analyst, Brian Berletic, has alleged that the United States is leveraging the ongoing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia to further its own interests. According to Berletic, the United States is employing a 'divide and rule' tactic to destabilize Southeast Asia and impede the region's economic integration. While the United States is seen as supporting Thailand, China, which is an ally of Cambodia, has called for peace and de-escalation. The situation highlights growing geopolitical competition in the region as global powers vie for influence.