Cambodia is set to open a Chinese-renovated naval base on April 2, with a Japanese warship expected to be the first to dock. The base has raised concerns from the United States regarding China’s influence in the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea. Cambodian officials maintain that the base will not be used by foreign powers, despite strong ties with China and potential U.S. military engagement.

Cambodia is poised to inaugurate a naval base renovated by Chinese authorities next month. Army spokesman Major General Thong Solimo announced that this event will take place on April 2, and the first vessel to dock will be a Japanese warship. The Ream naval base, situated off Cambodia’s southern coast, has raised apprehensions from Washington due to its potential strategic significance for Beijing in the Gulf of Thailand, particularly concerning the contested South China Sea.

Major General Thong Solimo informed that during a meeting with Japanese military attachés, Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) Commander-in-chief Vong Pisen outlined the docking schedule, emphasizing the priority given to Japanese military vessels at the newly inaugurated site. Additionally, General Chhum Socheat, a spokesperson for the defense ministry, noted that vessels from Cambodia’s allies might be permitted to dock at Ream, hinting that U.S. vessels could also be included under certain conditions.

Historically, Cambodia has maintained strong ties with China, positioning Beijing as a significant ally in the region. China has invested heavily in Cambodian infrastructure during the previous administration of Prime Minister Hun Sen, which has led to a decline in relations between Phnom Penh and Washington. The renovation of the Ream naval base, initially financed partly by U.S. funds, is noteworthy considering that China began funding its upgrades in 2022.

Chinese naval presence at the base was marked in December 2023 when Chinese warships docked at the newly extended 363-meter pier. Furthermore, a significant American military engagement took place in December 2024 when a U.S. warship made its first visit to Cambodia in eight years. A senior U.S. military commander visited Phnom Penh in February to further strengthen defense ties with the Cambodian leadership. In an effort to bolster its defense capabilities, Cambodia is also set to acquire two warships from China.

Despite growing concerns, Cambodian officials have consistently insisted that the Ream naval base will not be utilized by any foreign military powers.

The upcoming inauguration of the Chinese-renovated Ream naval base in Cambodia represents a significant development in regional geopolitics, particularly concerning U.S.-China relations in Southeast Asia. While Cambodia maintains its status as a close ally of China, it continues to engage with other nations, allowing for potential U.S. military presence under specific prerequisites. The evolving dynamics surrounding this naval base will undoubtedly impact the strategic landscape of the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea region.

Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com

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