Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base to Open with Japanese Warship in Attendance

Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, developed with Chinese assistance, will officially open with a Japanese warship as its first foreign guest. The base’s modernization and the presence of Chinese military influence have raised concerns about its role in the Gulf of Thailand. Despite previous U.S. ties, recent developments indicate possible future visits by American naval forces as Cambodia seeks to balance its foreign partnerships.

Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, which has undergone modernization with assistance from China, is preparing for its grand opening. This event is particularly notable as it will feature a Japanese warship as its first foreign visitor, signaling a shift in naval diplomacy. The base has been a focal point of international concern due to the presence of Chinese PLA Navy warships, which had been docked there for months, suggesting a possible long-term Chinese military footprint in the region.

Despite claims from the Cambodian government stating that the base will welcome various foreign navies, previous opportunities for U.S. and allied warships to dock, such as the USS Savannah and Japanese destroyers, did not materialize at Ream. The formal inauguration of the base is slated for April 2, featuring a visit from Hun Manet, the current Cambodian Prime Minister and son of long-time leader Hun Sen. According to Maj. Gen. Thong Solimo, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is expected to establish a presence at Ream, highlighting Cambodia’s intention to showcase its strategic naval position.

Analysts have interpreted these developments as part of Cambodia’s diplomatic strategy to project that Ream Naval Base is not solely a Chinese asset. Historically, the U.S. Navy conducted exercises at this location before China intensified its military and economic relations with Cambodia following a 2019 report indicating a 30-year leasing agreement for the base to facilitate military expansion.

Chinese investment at Ream has included installations such as a carrier-sized finger pier and extensive drydock facilities, indicating a significant enhancement of military capabilities. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy has ceased operations at Ream since the inception of Chinese construction, although Cambodian officials have recently expressed intentions to allow for future American naval visits at the base.

The grand opening of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base marks a significant milestone in the nation’s military relations, particularly with China and Japan. While the strategic implications remain unclear, the base’s development represents a shift in regional naval dynamics. As Cambodia claims inclusivity for various foreign navies, the long-term consequences of Chinese influence on Cambodian military architecture warrant close observation. The future interactions between the U.S. and Ream will be pivotal in determining the base’s geopolitical role in Southeast Asia.

Original Source: maritime-executive.com