A U.S. Navy ship, USS Savannah (LCS 28), visited Cambodia for the first time since 2016, amid rising concerns over China’s influence and the development of a potential naval base at Ream. The five-day port call aims to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Cambodia, especially under Prime Minister Hun Manet’s leadership, despite ongoing tensions regarding military cooperation and human rights issues.

On Monday, a U.S. Navy vessel, the USS Savannah (LCS 28), made its inaugural visit to Cambodia since 2016, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Cambodian defense relations. Docked at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port for five days, the ship operates amid growing concerns regarding China’s influence and potential establishment of a naval base at Ream, located approximately 20 kilometers from the docking site. The visit is seen as an effort by the U.S. to reinforce ties with Cambodia, particularly under the new leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, who succeeded his father, Hun Sen, earlier this year.

Apart from the USS Savannah’s operational role in the South China Sea, Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense highlighted that this port call is intended to enhance bilateral cooperation and friendship between the two nations. However, restrictions remain, as the USS Savannah, similar to other non-Chinese vessels, has not been granted access to the Ream naval base, which is undergoing development to strengthen its capabilities.

The backdrop to the USS Savannah’s visit involves rising tensions in the region, primarily due to China’s expanding military presence. The development of Ream naval base has raised alarms within U.S. defense circles, suggesting that China may be creating a de-facto naval base close to strategic shipping lanes in the South China Sea. Cambodia asserts that it remains committed to its constitutional stipulations against foreign military bases, yet U.S. officials express concern over the precedent this situation may set. Additionally, the historical context features strained U.S.-Cambodian relations following military exercise suspensions and criticisms of Cambodia’s human rights practices under Hun Sen.

In summary, the USS Savannah’s visit to Cambodia signifies a vital step in re-establishing defense ties between the United States and Cambodia amidst concerns regarding China’s expanding influence in the South China Sea. While the U.S. seeks to enhance bilateral cooperation, it faces challenges related to transparency in military projects and past frictions stemming from human rights issues. Continued engagement with Cambodia remains crucial to counterbalance China’s growing role in the region.

Original Source: www.rfa.org

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