Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet inaugurated the renovated Ream Naval Base, emphasizing transparency amidst US concerns about China’s involvement. The base will host joint exercises and is deemed open to all countries. Historical ties between Cambodia and China are reinforced, even as the US seeks re-engagement in the region.

On Saturday, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet inaugurated a renovated naval base, emphasizing that the nation has “nothing to hide” from the United States amid concerns regarding China’s involvement in the refurbishment. The Ream Naval Base, located along Cambodia’s southern coast, received enhancement support from China. The United States has expressed apprehensions that this facility could offer Beijing a strategic advantage near the contested South China Sea.

US officials have raised alarms about the potential exclusivity of the naval base for the Chinese military. Nevertheless, Cambodian leaders assert that the base is accessible to all nations. During the inauguration ceremony, which was attended by military leaders from various countries, Hun Manet highlighted the openness of the base for cooperative drills with any partners.

Hun Manet stated, “From today, Cambodia will welcome all friends to hold joint exercises at Ream. We have nothing to hide.” Chinese military representative Cao Qingfeng described the renovated base as a representation of the “iron-clad friendship” between China and Cambodia. He noted that it would enhance regional security and facilitate joint exercises such as the Golden Dragon drills scheduled for May.

Historically, Cambodia has maintained close ties with China, particularly under the leadership of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who is also Hun Manet’s father. During his tenure, China made substantial investments in Cambodian infrastructure, while relations with the US deteriorated. Moreover, Hun Manet announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping is anticipated to visit Cambodia later this month.

China has been involved in upgrading the Ream base since 2022. Initially constructed with partial US funding, this facility has prompted Western suspicions since 2019, following reports of a covert agreement allowing China to utilize it. In 2023, Chinese naval vessels commenced docking at the base, with Cambodia receiving two additional Chinese warships to bolster its defense capabilities.

Despite ongoing tensions, the United States has taken steps toward re-engaging with Cambodia, as evidenced by the docking of a US warship in Sihanoukville in December, marking the first such visit in eight years, followed by a senior US Army official’s visit in February. Recently, Cambodia also reported that a Japanese warship is scheduled to be the first to dock at the renovated Ream base.

In summary, the reopening of the renovated Ream Naval Base in Cambodia has raised significant geopolitical concerns, particularly from the United States, regarding China’s growing influence in the region. Despite these concerns, Cambodian leaders maintain that the base remains open to all nations for joint exercises. The historical ties between Cambodia and China continue to deepen, with further developments anticipated as engagements with other global powers, such as the United States and Japan, unfold.

Original Source: www.firstpost.com

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