US defense secretary meets Cambodian officials to push for stronger ties with Chinese allybr br US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Cambodian officials on Tuesday to discuss a possible resumption of joint military exercises, suggesting the beginning of a thaw in relations between the countries that have been strained over Cambodia's growing closeness with China.br br Austin met with Defense Minister Tea Seiha, Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen, the Pentagon said. Hun Sen, the former prime minister, is Hun Manet's father.br br The officials discussed ways to strengthen defense ties in support of regional peace and security, including through a resumption of military training exchanges, de-mining training, and Cambodian participation in US military education programs, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement.